PEOPLE in Blaenau Ffestiniog have raised concerns over plans to redevelop the town’s old Woolworths building.

Plans to demolish the shop and erect a retail unit, three open-market homes and one affordable dwelling have been submitted.

Sandra Hooson, who lives next to the site, said: “We are deeply concerned and worried about the impact that this over-development of the site of will have on us as next-door neighbours.

“Our privacy and security will be compromised due to the siting of windows in residential units 1 and 2 as the proposal is to put them in the party/boundary wall that creates the boundary between the two properties. They will directly open into my rear garden which has given ourselves and children now our nine grandchildren two years of age upwards total privacy over last 30 years! The proposed new rooflines of the buildings will take away light especially the evening sun from both garden areas.

“Another worry is we have no knowledge of how they intend to create new foundations and whether our home will be destabilised during the process.”

John Ferguson, leaseholder of the Meirion pub next to the site said: “Upon hearing planning permission had been sought I was upset that my neighbours had been consulted but not myself.

“Upon reviewing the plans I have concerns regarding the structural damage it may incur removing the building that is significantly attached to mine and if this impacts my trade. Will the construction process put customers off from coming back to the pub?”

Jamie Bradshaw, director of Owen Devenport Planning Consultants, said, on behalf of the applicant: “Sadly after the closure of Woolworths it has been very difficult to secure long-term tenants for the building, and following the devastating impact of coronavirus the retail market will continue to be hard.

“The proposal for the site has been carefully designed to ensure that it respects the privacy and amenity of neighbouring residents and also provides new good quality low-cost homes for the local community, along with improved retail space that meets current demand for smaller shops.

“Whilst demolition is required due to the state of the existing building, this will be undertaken in a careful and considerate manner to minimise disruption and ensure that neighbouring buildings & residents are safeguarded.

“The applicant is happy to discuss any concerns from the site’s neighbours and ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to minimise disruption and disturbance if the scheme is approved.”