Objections raised over housing scheme in listed former school building

Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Objections have been raised against plans to convert a former primary school, a Grade II listed building, into housing.

Full and listed building consent planning applications to convert the former Ysgol Efyrnwy Primary school in Abertridwr, Llanwddyn near Lakes Vyrnwy were lodged with Powys County Council by Triang developments in September.

The proposal is to change the use of the school building into four “dwellings” which would include one as an affordable home as well as build two pairs of semi-detached houses within the former school grounds.

The application was discussed by Llanwddyn Community Council at a meeting on October 16.

Llanwddyn council said:  “Ysgol Efyrnwy was designed as a combined school and community centre, an experimental scheme intended to become a model for the provision of education in rural areas.

“The building was designed by the county architect for Montgomery, Herbert Carr and opened in 1950.”

“The proposed plans would detract from the listed aspects of the building, local area and its setting.”

They add that not enough parking spaces have been allocated for the development in the plans.

Planning agent Gwynfor Humphreys said:  “Use of the building to form dwelling units is considered to be the only viable use for it.

“This new use will be entirely in keeping with the social context of the site and will not result in any loss of amenity to surrounding properties. ”

A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) that accompanies the proposal adds that the building’s conversion will: “not result in harm to the significance of the building as a historic asset.”

Alterations

The council’s Built Heritage officer, Dr Sam Johnson said:  “The HIA is more of a potted history of the building with a recording survey.

“Whilst this is important there is no actual discussion of the physical alterations proposed in terms of how they impact the building.”

He says there is “insufficient information” contained in the documents to decide the application.

The village school was closed in 2009 due to falling pupil numbers.

The school formally given listed building status by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service on September 1, 2009.

A decision on the proposal is expected by November 26.