PLANS to convert a former bakery into flats and a smaller retail outlet have been given the green light by council planners.

Caernarfon’s former Castle Bakery store has lain empty since February 2016 after the local firm , established in 1885, announced it was shutting the town’s outlet as well as those in Bangor, Menai Bridge, Holyhead, and Beaumaris.

But Gwynedd Council planners have now approved a change of use for use for the former Caernarfon shop on Pool Street.

Submitted by Mr H Williams of Bontnewydd, the plans include converting the empty building from a bakery and cafe to three residential units and a smaller ground floor shop, including replacing the windows on the upper floors as well as carrying out external repairs.

They had enjoyed the support of Caernarfon Royal Town Council with planning officers happy that the plans met the necessary criteria.

According to the design and access statement, where possible they will use local contractors to undertake the works and supply the required materials, thereby supporting and sustaining the local economy and workforce.

It goes on to note: “The proposed changes are not considered to have a detrimental impact on the local character or appearance of the area.

“The property is located within the Primary Shopping Area and within the defined Town Centre of Caernarfon.

“The current proposal intends to convert the property in to 3nr residential apartments and reduce the size of the existing ground floor bakery shop and café and convert to a smaller shop unit.”

Management from Castle Bakery have never explained the reason for the sudden closure of the business.

Upon the collapse of the firm in February 2016, they placed a message in the window of the Bangor and Caernarfon stores thanking customers for their support.

It read: “It is with great regret that we are closing our shops. It is the end of an era.”