Councillors concerned about a lack of affordable housing for young local people on the Llyn Peninsula have welcomed a decision to allow two local couples to build homes in Llanengan.

Planning policy in Gwynedd came under attack on Monday when planners went against the advice of officers to approve the building of two homes in the village, where house prices were described as “unreachable for most local people”.

The village is less than two miles from Abersoch, where the cheapest three-bedroom costs around £395,000.

The two homes at Drws y Llan are set to cost much less, as the land was donated by relatives.

Despite this, officers recommended refusal, questioning the need for homes in the village, their location, size, and value.

But members backed the bid after describing existing policies as “not fit for purpose” in areas where house prices are extremely high.

Cllr Simon Brooks, who represents Borth y Gest, welcomed the decision, saying: “The housing situation worries us all. I fear it might get worse, especially if we see a spike in holiday-home purchases after Brexit with people buying here and not on the continent.”

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