Gwynedd Council is inviting Dolgellau residents to hear more about its plans for Ysgol Glan Wnion.

The council’s controversial plans to turn the site into accommodation for the homeless and vulnerable led to the launch of a petition against it, but those plans have been given the go-ahead, and the council is inviting the public to drop-in sessions to find out more.

Officers from Gwynedd Council’s housing and property department will attend drop-in sessions at Dolgellau’s Free Library on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 February, where they will share information about the development and answer questions from residents.

The school building, which has lain empty for five years, will be demolished and stone from it used to build five new units. They will house individuals to live independently. They will receive support to develop skills to enable them to move into their own tenancy. The development will include an office for support staff.

Dolgellau (North) councillor and leader of Gwynedd Council, Dyfrig Siencyn, said: “I’m pleased to invite my fellow Dolgellau residents to these informal sessions. We look forward to welcoming you and discussing the plans for this important development.

“The truth is that homelessness can affect any one of us for many different reasons.

“The council hopes this scheme will offer the best possible support to people to live independently within their local community. If you’re interested in finding out more about the Glan Wnion site plan, or just want to ask any questions about the development, please come along.”

Council cabinet member for housing, Councillor Craig ab Iago said: “It is a sad fact that since the start of the pandemic the number of people who present themselves as homeless has increased significantly, and there is a dire need for this type of provision in Meirionnydd. I don’t believe that it’s right in this day and age, and I feel passionately about offering solutions for these individuals.

“It’s a problem affecting communities all over Gwynedd, and support is needed for local people in several locations in the county. That’s why we’re adapting buildings in Bangor, investing in innovative Passivhaus technology pods in Caernarfon, and building or buying homes to let to our people in Gwynedd.

“This important development in Dolgellau is an important part of our plans to provide support to homeless people in the southern part of the county.”

Elsewhere, there is supported living accommodation for women in Porthmadog which opened last year, where five individuals are currently supported.

The information events at Dolgellau Free Library will be held on Tuesday, 8 February (1pm-4pm) and Wednesday, 9 February (10am-1pm). To ensure the public’s safety, there will be restrictions on the number of people able to attend at any one time, and therefore those wishing to attend are asked to book a slot in advance by contacting [email protected]u or calling 01286 679538.