Plans to convert a town’s historic market hall into flats will be debated by councillors next week, with a recommendation for approval despite local opposition.

On Monday, members of Gwynedd Council’s planning committee will make a decision on proposals for the 19th century building in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The hall, which has been made famous as the historic site of Lloyd George’s first political speech, would be converted into 14 apartments as part of the proposals put forward by Mossley Hill Investments Ltd.

Designed by Owen Morris of Porthmadog and built between 1861 and 1864 by Owen Roberts of Dolgareddu, the imposing two-storey former civic building hosted some of the area’s most important public events.

The developers say that that eight one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom flats could be contained within the building and would provide “much-needed” housing in the town.

In their planning statement, the Gloucestershire-based firm added: “It is submitted that the proposal represents a development with a high

quality of design in a sensitive location which will improve the site.

“The design has had significant regard to the local planning authority’s pre-application comments and it is submitted that there are no reasons why planning permission should not be granted.”

The plans are also being recommended for approval by planning officers, who feel that the amended plans, as opposed to the original 13 one-bedroom flats, would be acceptable.

Their recommendation goes on to note that, while the Market Hall does hold historical interest, “it does not have significant architectural value”.

However, the plans have also drawn opposition, with an objector writing in to the planning service raising concerns over the lack of parking spaces and sayng that it could place pressure on the community and the Welsh Language.

Ffestiniog Town Council has also raised concerns over the lack of parking spaces.

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