A FORMER public toilet will be turned into a shop for a local youth club – despite anti-social behaviour fears.
Llanddulas Youth and Community Centre applied to Conwy County Council’s planning department, seeking permission to transform the toilets on Wern Road.
At a planning committee meeting at Conwy’s Coed Pella HQ, councillors voted 16-0 in favour of the plans, meaning the community shop will likely go ahead, with plans to sell handmade crafts and hot drinks, such as tea and coffee.
Speaking at the committee meeting, Cllr Alan Hunter proposed councillors backed the plans in line with council officers’ recommendation, which was seconded by Cllr Austin Roberts.
“I’m very happy to support this application. I know the area well, and the group have got together to take over the building and turn it into a shop,” said Cllr Hunter.
“I think it is a brilliant plan, a great idea, so I’m very happy to propose that we go with the officers’ recommendations.”
The shop will have five car parking spaces, including one electric vehicle charging point, with the floor space increased, and anti-climb fencing erected around the outside to the south of the building.
Whilst the planning application was mostly supported by Llanddulas and Rhyd y Foel Community Council, a small number of councillors feared the shop could create anti-social behaviour.
But councillors at the planning meeting were informed that the nearest home to the site was east of the proposed parking area, with other neighbouring homes separated from the development by the embankment supporting the North Wales main line.
The plans include native wildflower plants, external wall insulation, and solar panels.
