Gwynedd Planners Consider Conversion of Former Chinese Restaurant Into Flats

A proposal to convert a once popular former Bangor Chinese restaurant into four flats is to be considered by Gwynedd planners.

Two of the homes could help to meet the housing needs of younger people, the applicants say.

Cyngor Gwynedd has received an application for a proposed development. of the former Eastern Origin restaurant on the High Street.

The application has been made by James Durrant through the agent Sion Roberts (Cadnant Planning).

Plans say the property closed  in February 2025, and was purchased by the applicant.

The development site is located along the High Street, on the corner of the A4087 and B5107, near to the station.

The application describes how the Eastern Origin restaurant was located on the ground floor and already has flats on the upper floors.

The application proposes the change of use of the ground floor only and notes  there is designated off-street parking immediately to the side of the property.

The plan is to create four self-contained residential flats, including one, one bedroom and three, two bedroomed homes.

All of the units will be fitted with the “necessary amenities” including, shower room, bedroom areas and a combined kitchen and living area. They will be accessed via  an access point off the side of the existing property.

The plans note that the development does not include any external works and only includes “necessary works” to convert and alter the internal layouts for its new use.

“Two of the proposed units would be put forward for those who wish to rent properties at a more affordable level,” they state.

“The applicant has been working with GISDA, a charity that seeks to support and provide opportunities for young people, for over five years, to assist in providing more affordable private rented accommodation opportunities for those in need.”

It also stated “the applicant has housed approximately 15 people in need of private rented accommodation”.

The units would “remain as private rented accommodation falling under C3 use but the units would be offered to those in need of accommodation, with floating support/ assistance from GISDA”.

The charity would “initially assist the tenant with the practical
support needed to build confidence and skills for independent living”.

“This would mean helping out with living arrangements and logistics etc.

“The tenant would thereafter be in a private tenancy agreement with the applicant (not GISDA),” the application stated.

In a comment within the plans Sharon Thomas of GISDA said: “We have a great need for accommodation in the Bangor area for our young people.

“As an organisation we struggle to find landlords that will accommodate and support our young people”.

The plans also added that the remainder of the units, would be “put forward as private open market rental units to assist in meeting a general need in the local area”.