THE go-ahead has been given for the erection of 12 new two-storey social houses above the Wenallt on the Penycaeau Estate overlooking Dolgellau.

Bangor-based Cartfrefi Cym­unedol Gwynedd Cyf, which took over the social housing stock from Gwynedd Council, wants to build six semi-detached units on a 0.35 hectares site 30 metres above the Wenallt Estate.

Two letters of objection were received expressing concern over wildlife, the stability of a retaining wall, drainage and the loss of view and light.

Planning officer Hugh Roberts said that the proposed development was 30 metres away from the Wenallt Estate and the loss of views and light did noit warrant a refusal.

He said that the other concerns were covered by Building Regulations.

Dolgellau Town Council supported the application but asked whether a children’s play area could be included in the development.

Cllr Sion Jones told the meeting that there was a need for social housing and the application should be approved. Cllr Alwyn Griffith agreed.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn asked the planning committee whether the views of the town council regarding a play area for children could be incorporated.

Mr Roberts said he would suggest providing a children’s play area to the applicants, but didn’t think that the council could enforce it.

The application was approved subject to satisfactory details reg­arding a retaining wall and screening together with a section 106 agreement restricting units to affor­dable local needs.