Campaigners trying to save one of Wales' best-known piers want to open a holiday let in its pier master's house.
Cyngor Gwynedd has received an application from the Friends of Bangor's Garth Pier (FBGP) for the change of use of the former dwelling. The property is considered unsuitable as a permanent residence due lack of parking and its proximity to regular pier events.
Opening it up for overnight stays would provide a unique accommodation option and could boost tourism, FBGP believes. Longer term, there are plans to redevelop the pier area to attract more visitors.
The property was historically tied to the operations of the Pier, with the Pier Master in charge of day-to-day maintenance. Agents Cadnant Planning said in a planning report that the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier Trustees are looking to lease the property from Bangor City Council.
They say FBGP hopes to use the unit as a short-term holiday let, to generate income, which would be "fed directly back to the Pier, to help with the maintenance and running costs". As part of the planning proposal, a comprehensive business plan has been prepared and submitted.
FBGP launched a 40,000 appeal in August for repairs to the pier's substructure to "make it safe and protect it for generations to come". Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday.
Built in 1896, at 1,500ft Garth Pier is the second longest pier in Wales, boasting glorious views across the Menai Strait, Anglesey, Llandudno and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). Having faced successive demolition threats, it is now owned and maintained by Bangor City Council, which bought the pier for 1p in 1975.
The Pier is one of only three Grade II*-listed piers in the UK. It is considered to be of architectural and historical significance, and is a Victorian gem.
The holiday let proposal noted that Pier House had "never been occupied as an open market dwelling", adding: "It has never been occupied independently by an individual/family who is not tied to the Pier." When the Pier Master retired from his job in 2022, he and his partner vacated the dwelling.
The report said: "The dwelling is no longer required as a manager's dwelling for the running of the Pier, that responsibility now lies with the Trustees of Bangor Garth Pier.
"Its location, size and design renders it unsuitable to be used as a family dwelling, whether open market or affordable in nature.
"Events are held at the pier multiple times a year such as fireworks, and Christmas events, attracting thousands of visitors outside the site at any one time".
The proposed holiday-let would be run by FBGP Trustees. The property has no garden area, just a small outdoor amenity area, and no private parking. Instead, parking would be in a nearby car park
It is proposed that the holiday let would have three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen/dining room, a family bathroom, a porch, a w/c and utility room to serve visitors.
The proposal said the property is a "culturally important heritage asset to the area and defining landmarks within Bangor in terms of its identity and sense of place.
"The Pier promotes local businesses within the local and wider community, including eateries, places to visit, excursions, day trips, etc."
The report suggested holiday let use could also "encourage spin-off spending within the local economy, which in turn supports a community where the Welsh language can thrive".