Cottage extension could be ‘catalyst’ for regeneration

Planning permission for an extension to a cottage in Caernarfon could be a ‘catalyst’ for modern regeneration in the town.Nia Borsey, of property consultancy Fisher German, is advising that modern developments that are sympathetic to their surroundings are possible in Caernarfon, even those close enough to enjoy views of Caernarfon Castle itself.It comes after a two-storey extension to a traditional cottage based between two grade II-listed buildings and fronting the Aber Afon Seiont received planning approval from Gwynedd Council.Plans include demolishing an existing extension of the residential property, in St Helen’s Road, and replacing this with a modern design.The property, which enjoys views of the castle, is based within the essential setting of the World Heritage Site of Caernarfon Castle and town walls and is within close proximity to the Aber Afon Seiont, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).Fisher German was able to demonstrate that the planned extension would not have a negative impact on its surroundings, including the essential setting of the castle.The firm also showed that despite being in a flood risk zone, the building was better at mitigating flood risk than the existing structure.Borsey is now advising that others could take advantage of both residential and commercial property developments in the area.She said: “This development may only be a domestic extension, but it demonstrates that the council is not opposed to allowing modern, contemporary designs in Caernarfon.”There are certain areas in the town that would significantly benefit from positive regeneration, however, people often shy away from this when World Heritage Sites need to be taken into consideration or complexities around listed buildings need to be overcome.”We were able to demonstrate that despite being able to see the development from the castle, it would not have a negative impact on the surrounding area, nor detract from the listed buildings nearby.”She added: “This extension may well act as a catalyst for positive change in the area and help bring some buildings that require regeneration back to life.”