A PORTHMADOG resident fears that a property planned for a site in front of his home will block out light and impact the value of his house.

A planning application has been submitted for a single-storey three-bedroom dwelling at Garth Terrace in Porthmadog. Trefor Owen and his wife Jackie have lived directly behind the site for over 30 years.

Trefor said: “We won’t have a view, we won’t be able to see the harbour. We won’t have any light in the downstairs of our house. We will need to keep the lights on in our front room and kitchen longer.

“From my chair in the front room I can see the Ffestiniog railway and all across the harbour. I think the plan is horrible. Our view will go from this to a brick wall and being looked down on from the house above.

“Parking is also going to get worse on our street. If you don’t get in your slot you need to go and park by the care home at the top of the street and pay. I’m very upset with this. The value of the house will go down.”

Porthmadog Town Council has opposed the application as they believe it doesn’t fit with the historical area and nearby houses, and say it is an over development, out of character with nearby houses. They added that there is no access to the site apart from the Grisiau Mawr which is under CADW’s ownership.

Porthmadog town councillor Llyewlyn Rhys said: “I’m personally strongly opposed to the proposed development. This seemingly luxury house would be out of keeping, extravagant and an outrageous development in the oldest historical harbour quarter of Porthmadog.

“My family has lived for generations in the town. The harbour, once industrial and vibrant, is the monumental core of our town’s history and no frivolous development should threaten our heritage.”

A Gwynedd Council spokesperson said: “The application is currently being considered by the council and will consider all comments presented as part of the public consultation, as well as all relevant local and national planning policies.”

Applicant, Neil Simon Avery of Acanthus Developments said: “Historically there was a terrace of seaman’s slate built houses on this derelict plot dating back to the 19th century, but these were demolished during the early 20th century. The developer did consider rebuilding these cottages and agree that they may reflect a more nostalgic image of old Porthmadog, but their pitched-sloping roofs would obscure the view of dwellings on Roche Terrace. Sloping roofs could form part of a revised design if so suggested by the council.

“The application recognises the sensitivity of the site and presents a considered solution to restoring the plot. The applicant is willing to adjust the proposals to reflect council comments. If ultimately refused, the reasons will be examined with view to taking it to appeal.”