Plans to demolish “eyesore” former offices in Pwllheli and turn them into 28 much-needed flats for the elderly have been given the go-ahead, despite concerns from neighbours.

A proposal submitted by Adra for flats on the Canolfan Frondeg site have been given the green light by Gwynedd Council planners

The housing association applied to build the three-storey extra-care development by demolishing the former offices.

The plan was recommended for approval by officers, citing the need for such a development in the area, but neighbours urged committee members to defer the plans so they could be amended.

Cllrs Steve Churchman and Gruffudd Williams asked fellow members to put the brakes on any decision until concerns regarding overlooking neighbouring properties and a lack of parking spaces – with 23 having been designated – were resolved. But officers, addressing the meeting in Caernarfon on Monday, said there was a clear need for such housing, with Huw Evans on behalf of Adra noting that any town centre development would “inevitably” have a degree of overlooking.

Cllr Elin Walker Jones added that, due to its town centre location, many residents would not require a car.

Three members opposed the plan.

The building will be designed to a “U” shape. “It would include 28 extra care flats for people aged over 55 years (16 two-bedroom flats and 12 one bedroom flats) and ancillary uses on the ground floor/externally, including communal facilities, an office, plant room and stores and a bin storage area, along with parking spaces and associated landscaping,” said the report.

“The proposal is extra-care flats for those aged over 55, and floor plans show that all the flats are self-contained with a bedroom(s), bathroom, lounge and kitchen, as well as a communal lounge and relatively small kitchen attached to it.

“The scheme would provide affordable housing provision in an area where there is clearly an identified shortfall.”