PLANS to convert a former care home into holiday units have been put on hold to allow councillors to carry out a site visit.

The Plas y Bryn care home at Bontnewydd closed in January 2016 following several critical reports by the Care Inspectorate Wales.

An inspection in November 2015 found some residents who had soiled underwear were being ignored by staff.

A plan was presented to Gwynedd Council’s planning committee on Monday afternoon, seeking permission for the existing building to be extended in order to provide four self-contained holiday units and a swimming pool.

However, members decided to put the brakes on any decision by voting to carry out a site visit.

The proposals are being opposed by the community council which fears an “unacceptable increase” in local transport as well as fears over the narrow access road.

Despite this, planning officers had recommended that the proposals should be given the green light.

The report presented to the committee said: “In this case, the location of the proposed development lies outside the development boundary of Bontnewydd and is therefore in open countryside.

“However, the proposal is for the conversion of an existing building and would make use of a suitable site that was previously developed. Therefore, it is considered that the proposal is acceptable.”

It is expected members will discuss the application in Caernarfon on 23 July.