Plans to turn an annexe into a holiday-let have been refused by planners amid concerns it would “open the floodgates” to a deluge of applications to convert garages and other outside buildings.

Gwynedd Council had received an application to convert an existing curtilage building to a two-bedroom holiday unit at Eirianedd on the Rhos Bach estate (right) in Criccieth.

But despite the applicants amending the plans to include only one bedroom, the plans were turned down by nine votes to two after a warning from officers that the plans did not satisfy planning policy, with members having visited the site for themselves on Monday morning.

Some members said they could see some merit were in the application, however, noting the lack of opposition which saw no local residents express concern.

“I have some sympathy for the applicants and can see the grey areas in this application,” Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones told the planning committee meeting on Monday. “If it was an annexe for the applicants’ parents or relatives would it would be ok?”

Cllr Gruff Williams added: “There have been no letters of objection but surely if there was local opposition they would have responded? In reality, the only people affected here will be the owners of the house.”

But others backed the officers’ recommendation, with Cllr Edgar Owen concerned that it would set a precedent and set a precedent.

Cllr Huw Jones said: “The danger here is that a set a precedent if we allow this to go ahead.

“If we let everyone turn their garages into holiday lets then we’re heading into very dangerous waters.”

According to Gwynedd planning officers, the policy restricts holiday accommodation from being built on mainly residential areas.

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