A social housing provider has unveiled plans to build a 39-flat complex for older people on the outskirts of Bangor to meet the need for people wanting to downsize because of the “bedroom tax”.

Gwynedd Council has received an application from Adra to build the development on offices previously used by the Countryside Council for Wales at Plas Penrhos, Penrhosgarnedd.

But with the offices having been vacant for several years, the proposals would see their demolition to make way for the 18 one-bed and 21 two-bed affordable units over three storeys while providing 31 parking spaces.

According to the social housing provider, with many having been impacted by the “bedroom tax,” such a development would allow several older people to downsize while also releasing larger sized housing in the area.

Under the tax, or spare room subsidy, people who receive welfare payments see their housing benefit reduced if they have one or more spare bedrooms.

“Following recent changes to the benefits system, several tenants have suffered due to the bedroom tax because of under occupancy and wish to move to a smaller home,” said the company as part of its application.

“One and two-bedroom properties would assist Adra to better manage its current stock and enable those applicants who wish to move to a smaller home, thus releasing a larger property to other applicants.

“This would also help families on the housing register who require 3 or 4- bedroom homes.”

According to the company, 205 of Adra’s managed properties in Bangor are being under occupied by one bedroom (with at least 76 being over 55 years years of age), with 60 being under occupied by two bedrooms (33 being over 55 years of age).

The supporting documents went on to note, “Providing 39 affordable, senior living residential apartments as part of this proposal, consisting of one- and two-bed units, would contribute towards meeting the identified need for local people over the age of 55 years-old.

“The smaller properties, would contribute towards balancing the apartment provision in Bangor. The proportion of larger houses to smaller dwellings in the immediate vicinity of the site is also evident with larger detached or semi-detached dwellings being predominant.

“The proposal will redress this balance and allow those with the need to downsize within Penrhosgarnedd to do so and remain in that community.”

It concludes, “As the scheme is for 100% affordable housing units, for which there is a clear need and demand, the proposal addresses the needs of the local community and is therefore acceptable in principle.”

Its expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will consider the application over the coming weeks after a public consultation phase and feedback from the city council and other stakeholders.