‘Eyesore’ Burgess site to be developed into housing after remaining derelict for a decade

The closure of Llangefni’s Burgess farm machinery store in 2008 resulted in not only the loss of 10 jobs but also a major unit in the town, with the site cleared but becoming substantially overgrown in the meantime.

Ambitious plans for the site were unveiled and given outline planning in 2011, including 950 square metres of commercial space with up to 45 apartments on the three upper floors.

Plans for new homes on the former Burgess Site in Llangefni. Screengrab from planning documents.

But the £5million project never saw the light of day, with the site remaining boarded up.

There are fresh hopes that the eyesore can now be developed, however, after planners signed off plans to build nine new homes.

The plans, submitted by Kerry Parry, are described as “relatively modest” to provide “a housing development that will produce reasonably priced/low-cost properties.”

With the homes not planned to front directly onto Bridge Street, with access off Lon Newydd next to Canolfan Ebenezer, they include five two bedroom and four three bedroom properties.

“The mix as presented would appeal to young families or couples wishing possibly to have a family, with sufficient space provided to meet the needs of many households through a variety of house formats,” note the supporting documents.

The former Burgess store shortly after closure (above) and now (below). Google Streetview and LDRS images.

“All of the dwellings, because of their size, design and location are clearly ‘low cost’ and would provide reasonably priced open market properties”

The report presented to the planning committee, which approved the application despite some drainage concerns, had noted: “The application site is currently vacant brownfield land and at the edge of the designated Conservation Area.

“The site has been left undeveloped for a lengthy period of time which has resulted in overgrown vegetation which is visible over the secure fencing surrounding the site.”

Officers concluded: “The proposed development is considered acceptable and will provide a residential development within a highly sustainable location within Llangefni.

“The proposed development offers an opportunity of redeveloping vacant land which has become somewhat of an eyesore within the heart of Llangefni.”