THE upper floors of a former Burtons and Dorothy Perkins store look set to be turned into flats after being given the go-ahead by planners.

Last October saw a major blow for Bangor high street after the retailer announced the closure of its outlet in the city, which was spread over two floors.

The move led to the loss of six jobs and was described at the time as a “major disappointment”, leaving very few men’s clothing retailers in the city.

But the upper floors could be turned into housing after members of Gwynedd Council’s planning committee unanimously approved proposals during a meeting in Pwllheli on Monday.

The application, submitted by MJF Pension Trustees Ltd, will see four one-bedroom apartments built on the first floor and four on the second, leaving only the ground floor for retail use.

Concerns were raised by some members over the sheer number of applications being presented for such one-bedroom housing within the city.

Cllr Huw Wyn Jones of Garth ward, said: “Despite only being a member for two years, we seem to have approved many similar developments which means there’s a lot of planning permission out there despite work not having started.

“It does raise a question, and concerns, if they all decided to develop at the same time it would create an abundance of one-bedroom flats. It’s vital that someone keeps tabs on these.

“There is a lack of designated parking spaces. I accept that public transport is better in Bangor than anywhere else in Gwynedd, but we need to keep an eye on this.

“An existing problem is that our car parks are full due to workers in the city, meaning there’s not many spaces for visitors.

“In Hirael, this is especially acute so, while I will vote in favour of this, we do need to keep an eye on the situation.”

The statement for the application says the development comprises of eight residential units, each comprising of open plan living/bedroom/kitchen space with enclosed en-suite area.”