15 February 2008

Ysgol Jones Bach South Road Caernarfon

Caernarfon Online are pleased to announce that a planning application has now been forwarded to Gwynedd Council to change the use of Ysgol Jones Bach on South Road. The old school has been derelict for a number of years and was used by drug users and binge drinkers until Gwynedd Councillor for the Seiont Ward - Roy Owen secured the site with iron gates and welded access making it difficult or even impossible to gain access.

We spoke to councillor Owen this week and asked him about the site. He told us

"For years this old site has been a blot on our landscape and has worried me considerably as the access was too easy to gain and the woodland area made it a haven for both drug users and binge drinkers. Having secured the site last year we were also able to build a 20ft wall at Love Lane. Following these moves the undesirables have had to move on, unfortunately a lot of them still used the empty area next to the school which is owned by the Civic Society. I have been very disappointed that no action has been taken to clean up this unsightly area. We need to have civic pride in our town and as we can see by your photos, the site has recently been used by drinkers and by all accounts to a great degree. I have always been a man of action, not words and it annoys me greatly that people complain in the press but don't do something about it. Perhaps now at long last, the site will be cleared and made proper use of? I welcome the project and planning with open arms."

Cywaith Gwynedd BPT have submitted a change of use application which will be assessed shortly.

DESIGN STATEMENT - Change of Use of dis-used school to dwelling and formation of a new vehicular access, Ysgol Jones Bach, Caernarfon

1- Cywaith is a 'rolling fund' BPT, which uses its capital to acquire, restore, & resell historic buildings. Profits are re-invested in next projects

2- This dis-used school is a grade 2 listed building, closed in 1916, in poor condition, and in need of an alternative use

3- No alternative use for assembly purposes appears viable because of the cost of restoration to local community groups

4- A use for a dwelling appears to be the only means of recouping the heavy cost of restoration

5- The building is prominently located on the busy southern route out of the Town, adjacent to a well used footpath linking to a Iight-controlled pedestrian crossing, immediately outside the building

6- It is the only building on the western side of South Road and its loss would remove the only point of interest in a length of about 200m. of stone boundarywall. It is an essential focal point, looking both north and south

7- Any widening of South Road would economically have to take place on the same side as the building, and as the footway is only 1 m. wide where adjoining its gable, demolition would be necessary. Partial demolition would be detrimental to its character

8- Conversion to a dwelling must keep the overall gabbled appearance of the present school. An internal first floor will be required for accommodation, necessitating a traditional roof light on each roof slope. This would not be detrimental to its school character

9- The parcel of land to north of the footpath, belongs to the local Civic Society, and is the site of a roman fortiet. It has been excavated, and the group is willing to donate it to a scheme which can preserve the building. This the only level land in the project that can be used for materials during building work, and for future parking

10-A new access to this parcel is essential for the project and, without it, the scheme cannot proceed. An opening at the most northern end of its frontage would offer the best solution