Gywnedd rejects Seiont Manor Hotel expansion
County councillors voiced concerns over the impact the Snowdonia project would have on local businesses, the Welsh language, and open countryside.
Seiont Manor Hotel owner Caernarfon Properties had sought planning permission to remodel the existing property, which had been operating at a loss for 14 years under its previous owners Handpicked Hotels. Seoint Manor has been closed since 2020.
It was hoped that a revamp of the 33-bed boutique hotel would revitalise the space. The proposals, designed by Street Design Partnership, included growing the number of bedrooms to 61 with the aid of a two-storey extension and 43 additional parking spaces. Spa facilities were also included, as well as a lounge bar and restaurant with a terrace.
A further 39 three-bed holiday lodges would be built on the property, each with two parking spaces. There would also have been a reception area for the lodges and an activity centre.
Gwynedd County Council planning officers had recommended the project for approval – but local councillors opted to vote the other way during a planning committee meeting on Monday.
Councillors shared a variety of concerns about the application, including the impact the scheme would have on the nearby caravan parks that are operated by locals. Another issue was the fact that this would increase the area’s seasonal population and bring in workers from outside the Welsh-speaking village.
In the end, all but one councillor voted to reject the application. Grounds listed for the refusal included the effects of overdevelopment on the community due to the scale of the project.
Cadnant Planning is the planning consultant for the scheme. The project team also included Land&Heritage, Integra Consulting, and Focus Transport Planning. Learn more about the application by searching reference number C21/0861/23/LL on Gwynedd County Council’s planning portal.
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I know nothing about this scheme but looks like sorely needed regeneration of a uneconomic asset…..Hopefully the owner appeals and gets a cost award. against the Local authority… the planning system putting ghe final decision into the hands of the uneducated and small minded individuals with political agendas is just a running joke!!!!.. these self interested Councillors throughout the Country, who should be held to account for delaying projects and the substantial costs associated!!.. rant over
By "Non Welsh Anon"
Beggars belief! Short sightedness in spades and why would a boutique hotel adversely impact on caravan parks; they are entirely different offerings and price points? I hope they lose on appeal and have costs awarded against them.
By Grump Old Git
Doesn’t look like Gwynedd Councillors from the reasoning want to see inward investment, have any growth in its tourism industry or have any non local’s eligible for employment even if they speak Welsh or not .
By Gwrol Ryfelwyr
The sort of petty politics that is bedevilling the Welsh economy. Throw in the ludicrous issues about language and you have a recipe for driving away investment. Wales’ tourism numbers are down by more than a third as a toxic cocktail of speed restrictions, disinvestment in holiday accommodation and a non-too-subtle anti-Englishness amongst some hits home. When the only other things your economy has are water (not many jobs in that) and sheep farming, it’s hardly a recipe for prosperity.
By More Anonymous than the others
Best news I’ve heard this week. Karma
By Anonymous
How does speed reduction reduce investment?
By Anonymous
Judging by the visuals, this isn’t a quality proposal. Standard solution lodges, utter lack of contextuality, appropriate materiality or form for this part of the world.
By Jack Mary Ann
@Anonymous, 12:27 – speed restrictions have been poorly received by visitors, who fear getting speeding tickets, so visitor numbers have fallen off a cliff (more than 33 per cent down, according to the government). Reduced visitor spend is a major disincentive to further investment in Wales’s tourism offer. Throw in all the other issues this story and comment thread highlights and it’s not hard to see how investment sentiment has turned negative.
By More Anonymous than the others