A decision over plans to turn a historic Market Hall into flats has been delayed to allow for a study over its potential impact on the Welsh language.

On Monday, members of Gwynedd Council’s planning committee were expected to make a decision on the proposals for the 19th-century building in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The hall, which is famous as the site of Lloyd George’s first political speech, would be converted into 14 apartments as part of the proposals put forward by Mossley Hill Investments Ltd.

But, before the planned agenda item during the meeting at Neuadd Dwyfor in Pwllheli, officers requested that the decision be postponed until the next meeting on 22 July following a request from the authority’s language department.

Planning officer Cara Owen explained that, in the unit’s view, not enough information had been submitted by the applicants and they were seeking more time to discuss the proposals with the applicants.

However, given the delay in proceedings, a request was also allowed by committee member, Cllr Stephen Churchman, for members to visit the site for themselves before the item is presented again.

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.

According to the developers, eight one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom flats could be contained within the building and it would provide “much needed” housing in the town.

See this week’s Meirionnydd edition for the full story, in shops and online now