A 25 flat affordable social housing development has been unveiled at the site of a former Bangor social club.

According to Adra, which has submitted the proposals with Gwynedd Council planning officers, it would help clear local housing waiting lists and help those having to pay the “bedroom tax” to downsize.

The site on Euston Road has been vacant since the Railway Institute was demolished in 2016, now described in the supporting documents as “overgrown and a local eyesore.”

It was designed as a centre for rail workers to socialise, exercise and read, opened by in 1898 by Lord Stalbridge, chairman of the London & North Western Railway.

Previously, developers Kingscrown Properties had unveiled plans to demolish the institute and build 27 flats for students, but the application was refused by planners in 2015.

The site was later put on the market in 2020 with an initial asking price of £895,000.

According to Adra, formerly known as Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, 15 of the apartments would contain one bedroom and another 10 to contain two.

This, they say, would help alleviate demand on the housing waiting list in Bangor and also free up homes for those looking to downsize due to the “bedroom tax.”

“As demonstrated within the planning history as set out within the planning statement, the site has been earmarked for redevelopment for a number of years, it has been on the market as a potential residential or student accommodation development opportunity,” said the social housing provider.

“Taking account of this background, Adra decided that the site would be provide an opportunity for development to satisfy the need for affordable housing within Bangor.”

Including 25 apartments, its proposed to include 13 car parking spaces while also formalising the car parking spaces already on Ffordd Euston.

The supporting documents go on to note: “By providing properties along a convenient and regular public transport network allows people to connect to and from Euston Road to Bangor city centre with ease therefore reducing car dependence.

“Providing 1- and 2-bedroom apartments will offer an opportunity for residents that are currently in unsuitable dwellings to gain a home with a good quality specification and finish in an amiable location. This would facilitate residents to establish a home in the area by improving the living conditions for all members.

“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.

“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.”

Its expected that Gwynedd Council planning officers will consider the plans over the coming weeks, including public consultation also involving statutory bodies and the city council.