An application has been made to convert a former Dolgellau car showroom and hotel into an ambulance station.

The application has been submitted to the Snowdonia National Park Authority by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, proposing a change of use of the former car show room and motel building and associated land to ambulance reporting station and associated works. The application refers to land adjacent to the Texaco Garage on Bala Road in Dolgellau.

In August the Welsh Ambulance Service invited Dolgellau residents to a drop-in clinic to learn more about plans for a new station in the town.

In 2012 the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust was forced to vacate their previous premises in Dolgellau because they were dilapidated and the required repairs not viable. Due to the lack of suitable property in the area at the time, the service subsequently relocated to North Wales Fire & Rescue Centre in Dolgellau, but the trust say this is substandard for a modern-day integrated ambulance service and an alternative is needed. The potential for altering or extending current arrangements with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has not been possible due their own accommodation constraints.

“The conditions the staff have currently are substandard for a modern-day integrated ambulance service and it is necessary to consider alternative arrangements,” the application explains.

“Working within the constraints of one room affects all aspects of working life and the car parking available is insufficient to accommodate EMS and NEPTS vehicles.

“Emergency ambulance vehicles are based on the North Wales Fire and Rescue site however the non-emergency patient transport vehicles are currently based at Dolgellau Hospital.”