A PLAN to convert offices into flats at the centre of Caernarfon has been unanimously approved to help tackle the “sad and challenging” issue of homelessness in Gwynedd.
Cyngor Gwynedd’s planning committee passed an application lodged by the council to change the use of former council offices to create five homes at the Mona building on High Street.
The landmark building on the corner with Shirehall Street features colourful painted brick work, ornate gables, sash windows, towers and turrets.
Historically it was the Old Mona Hotel and is thought to have been converted to council offices in 1963.
The application stated that the need for office space has reduced since the pandemic due to the number of employees now working from home.
The latest plan would see the development of three flats with one double bedroom and two with two double bedrooms, and include an extension at the rear, air source heat pumps and a new door to a refuse store.
The development was part of the council’s response to its statutory duty to accommodate the homeless.
The plans described use by “low risk homeless individuals” and “not accommodation with complex support or the type of use that would create a high impact on the community”.
The units would be designed comply with the Welsh Government standards and would help “tackle an important social issue (homelessness) without overloading the local housing provision, and would provide affordable units in accordance with the requirements of planning policy”.
The homes would be subject to an affordable housing condition, which would allow the council “flexibility” to use the accommodation to meet permanent accommodation needs for residents of the area in future should there be a fall in demand on the homeless service.
The application had been deferred from the planning committee meeting on December 8, 2025, for information and evidence of need for the units.
More information and details, including comments from the Strategic Housing Unit, had since “confirmed the need” for the homes.
The council’s planning committee unanimously approved the scheme on Monday, January 12.
Cllr Cai Larson said: “In accordance with the wishes of the committee, I had a constructive discussion with the chief housing officer about this plan.
“I received a clear explanation of the rationale behind the application and an outline of the scale and challenge of homelessness in Gwynedd.
“I know of a substantial number of my own electorate, who are in vulnerable positions with their own tenancies.
“These flats could become available for rent on social housing terms, if and when the need to provide for homeless housing comes to end.
“I welcome that greatly. I have no objection to this application should it become permanent housing.
“But I have noted in my concern that a small number of wards seem to shoulder more of the burden of addressing the homelessness we are facing.
“Town centre wards often have significant challenges in the light of poverty and deprivation.
“I believe it is very important that we work towards balanced communities, where no area is over burdened by any type of accommodation provision.”
Cllr Anne Lloyd Hughes added: “There is a real need for these homes.” She added that homelessness was “a very sad situation”.
Cllr Berwyn Parry Jones agreed, stating: “Obviously, there is a need there.
“I just hope the homeless situation improves in the future, and that these homes will eventually become permanent homes for local families.”
