A FORMER Grade II listed chapel could be converted into flats and shared office space.

An application has been lodged to turn the former Capel Pendref, on Bangor High Street, into a mixed development of five flats and open plan co-working office space.

The classically built structure, which was Grade II listed in 2011, cost £3,700 to erect in 1882.

It was put on sale last year with an asking price of £200,000.

The proposals, which have already been approved by the Bangor Civic Society, have been submitted by Phil Austin who has already converted Bryn Mel Manor in Glyngarth, Anglesey.

The statement accompanying the application, notes: “The chapel’s current function has ceased, and no religious group or otherwise has expressed an interest in re- establishing this function.

“The applicant has looked into a number of alternative uses form just storage for his current businesses to a restaurant / bar and entertainment centre.

“However in researching similar conversions for these functions and the mixed life (resilience) in Bangor. The proposal for conversion into residential with co-working space is a sounder proposal for the building as there is a demand for one bedroom studio type apartments in the centre of Bangor.

“The applicant has converted and restored a number of historic buildings and has the ability and skills to undertake a sensitive restoration and conversion.

It adds, “In terms of the guidance offered by CADW, the chapel offers a good contribution to the heritage of Bangor through all four categories of Evidential, Historical, Communal and Aesthetic value, thus any repairs and essential maintenance would be beneficial to the ongoing use of this heritage asset.”

Its expected that at least one of the five flats will have to be marketed as ‘affordable’ to meet the authority’s guidelines that 20% of such developments must be given that designation.

Its expected that Gwynedd Council planners will make a decision over the coming months.