The extension of a hospital to improve dementia and mental health provision in Gwynedd has been approved by planners.

The application, submitted by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, will see a new mental health outpatients and day unit at Ysbyty Bryn Beryl near Pwllheli.

The plans, which were approved by officers without the need to go in front of the planning committee, will also see 11 new parking spaces.

Supported by Llannor Community Council, the plans will see a new extension and part refurbishment of the existing hospital buildings.

The decision comes just weeks after a new £675,000 ward was officially opened at the hospital.

Work on the project began in August 2018, which included an upgrade of Dwyfor Ward and the Hafan Unit, creating one ward, now named Llynfor.

But this, the second phase of the development which was announced last year, is set to bring together the Hafan Unit Dementia Day Assessment Service and the Ala Road Dementia Day Assessment Service under one roof.

A spokesman for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “We are developing plans to provide permanent, fit for purpose accommodation to house an integrated Dementia and Adult Mental Health Centre as part of the ongoing refurbishment at Ysbyty Bryn Beryl.

“This is currently in the very early stages and we will be working with the local community as part of these plans to develop our services at the hospital.”