Concerns have been raised over plans to convert the historic site of Lloyd George’s first political speech into 14 apartments, which opponents say are not needed in the town.

The 19th century Market Hall was built during Blaenau Ffestiniog’s slate quarrying boom period, which saw the town’s population soar to over 11,000 as workers from all corners of Wales and beyond flocked to the area seeking work.

Designed by Owen Morris of Porthmadog and built between 1861 and 1864 by Owen Roberts of Dolgareddu, the imposing two-storey former civic building hosted some of the area’s most important public events.

But the site could serve a very different purpose, with plans now having been  submitted to transform the building into 14 flats.

Mossley Hill Investments Ltd, which is behind the plan, say that 13 one-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom apartment could be contained within the building and would provide “much needed” housing in the town.

In their planning statement, the Gloucestershire-based firm added: “It is submitted that the proposal represents a development with a high quality of design in a sensitive location, which will improve the site.

“The design has had significant regard to the local planning authority’s pre-application comments and it is submitted that there are no reasons why planning permission should not be granted.”

But according to the local councillor, the application has already attracted much opposition, and she believes that such a development is “not needed” in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

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