A rural cottage in Anglesey, once an agricultural property known as Gors y Twr in Llaingoch, has sparked controversy over its designated use as a holiday let only. The cottage, priced at £175,000, suffered damage to its roof during a winter storm five years ago and was subsequently approved for conversion into a three-bedroom holiday let in 2021. However, potential buyers, including a woman looking to reconnect with her roots, are dismayed by the restriction that prohibits it from being a permanent residence. The woman expressed her frustration on social media, stating her desire to transform the property into a family home, emphasising that such opportunities are rare and valuable.
The sale of Gors y Twr with the limitation of being a holiday let only has stirred emotions in the local community, especially amidst a severe housing crisis on the island of Anglesey. Property prices have surged to levels significantly higher than average local incomes, making it challenging for residents to purchase homes. The proliferation of holiday lets in the area has been identified as a contributing factor to the housing affordability issue. Restrictive occupancy clauses on properties in locations like Brynteg and Porth Llechog have also been a point of contention among locals, with many questioning the logic behind converting properties into holiday lets when there is a demand for permanent homes.
Despite objections from residents and potential buyers, Anglesey Council planning officers granted permission for the conversion of Gors y Twr into a holiday let under specific conditions in May 2021. The council’s decision aligns with national policy guidelines outlined in Planning Policy Wales, which prioritises economic uses over residential conversions for traditional rural buildings. While the council acknowledges the housing challenges faced by locals, it maintains that promoting rural diversification and sustainable development is essential for the region’s long-term viability. Alternative uses for dormant buildings are seen as a way to preserve the environment, bolster the rural economy, and uphold the traditional social fabric of rural areas.
Gors y Twr, a property steeped in history dating back 150 years and named after the marshland around Holyhead Mountain, boasts a quaint charm despite its dilapidated state. The cottage comes with a generous plot, including an attached shippon barn and yard, offering potential for restoration and revitalisation. A structural survey has confirmed that the property remains structurally sound, with recent maintenance work undertaken to secure the building post-storm damage. Despite the current limitations on its use, Gors y Twr presents a unique opportunity for interested buyers to engage in a labour of love and preserve a piece of the area’s heritage.
The discussion surrounding the conversion of Gors y Twr into a holiday let highlights the complex interplay between preserving rural heritage, addressing housing needs, and promoting sustainable development in Anglesey. The plight of locals unable to afford housing in their own communities due to occupancy restrictions on properties underscores the need for a nuanced approach to property development and planning regulations. As the housing crisis persists and property prices soar, finding a balance between economic interests, heritage conservation, and social housing provision becomes increasingly crucial for the future of rural communities like those on Anglesey. For those interested in Gors y Twr, marketing details are available for further exploration and consideration.