A disused school site in Dolgellau will get a new lease of life despite objections to it being used to house homeless and vulnerable people.

The controversial plans to turn what was once Ysgol Glan Wnion into accommodation have now been approved.

Gwynedd Council has welcomed the planning inspectorate’s decision in support of the authority’s appeal.

The council says the plans bring new life to the site, but are also is in keeping with the location and the area’s historical buildings.

Five units to house vulnerable individuals and enable them to live independently, with support, to prepare them to move to their own tenancies, have been approved for the site, along with an office for support staff involved with the scheme.

Councillor Craig ab Iago, cabinet member for housing and property said: “I’m extremely pleased we have been granted planning permission to develop this site that will allow us to provide the support needed by local residents. It is a sad fact that the number of people who present themselves as homeless has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic, and there is dire need for this type of provision in Meirionnydd.

“Since April 2021, we have received 234 homelessness referrals, and we received 253 the previous year. Currently, there are 33 individuals, couples and families placed in emergency accommodation in Meirionnydd, including 13 who are accommodated in one-bedroom accommodation, such as a bed and breakfast. I do not feel that this is acceptable, and it highlights the need for such a scheme in the area.

“Homelessness can affect any one of us, and for a number of different reasons.

“It matters to me that we provide the same opportunity and the best possible support to the people of Gwynedd to allow them to live independently within their local community.

“Our aim is to ensure people have access to a good quality home, which is affordable and improves their quality of life.

“This type of development provides an opportunity for individuals to become re-established in society by providing them with the necessary support to hold their own tenancies in future.

“I look forward to seeing the finished development, the opportunities and its positive impact on some of the most vulnerable residents in this community in south Meirionnydd.”

A petition to stop the plan was launched but the planning inspectorate has supported Gwynedd Council’s appeal, following the refusal of the original planning application by the Snowdonia National Park Authority Planning Committee in April 2021.