The developer says she has had to turn away at least 37 families because of a planning condition
A housing development stands virtually deserted despite construction being finished and the properties being marketed for two years. The homes are situated in the small village of Brynteg – near the popular seaside town of Benllech in Anglesey.
They are marketed as “turnkey” properties that come furnished and move-in ready. However, at Parc Delfryn, located adjacent to Storws Wen golf club, just two of the 16 developed homes have found buyers.
The developer attributes this to a planning condition imposed when approval was granted in 2007. This requirement specified that the three-bedroom houses could only be utilised as holiday properties. Make sure you never miss Wales’ biggest updates by getting our daily newsletter.
This restriction had not hindered sales during an earlier 20-property development that was finished in 2022. That initial phase by the same developer was snapped up remarkably quickly, reports North Wales Live.
However, the landscape has shifted in recent years with mounting concerns about insufficient local housing.
This has resulted in limitations being placed on holiday homes, with second properties subject to a council tax premium (presently 100% on Anglesey) unless they qualify as holiday lets that are rented out for a minimum of 182 days annually.
This has dampened demand for second homes on the island. While the measures have been applauded by many, it has proved detrimental for the developer of Parc Delfryn.
With merely two of the 16 homes sold – the developer wishes to pursue a different approach. They are calling on Anglesey council to remove the planning restriction and permit the properties to be marketed as residential dwellings.
A planning agent says the applicant and owner Collette Cartwright has indicated she would be willing to accept conditions limiting sales to individuals with ties to the island.
The properties are currently on the market at £250,000 following several price reductions.
Agent Simon James, from PLanD, said: “A phase one scheme, also built out by the applicant, comprised 20 holiday homes under a separate planning permission, and was commenced in February 2020.
“This was completed by Easter 2022, the dwellings were marketed and were sold very quickly, however, this took place prior to the tax changes brought into place by the Welsh Government to deter the growth in holiday and second homes in favour of primary residential uses, and which, in line with their objectives, have dramatically affected the local property market.”
He added: “To date, the applicant, notwithstanding the extensive efforts expended in seeking to sell the dwellings over two years, has only sold two properties.
“This in particular has occurred at a time when there is both clear government policy pressure to discourage the creation of holiday homes, in preference to full residential dwellings, and demonstrably, a good level of demand for family homes, itself increased by declining delivery of family homes and a likely rise in demand as both interest rates fall and recently announced significant economic investment in the area.
“There are therefore 14, fully completed, modern family homes ready to be occupied, but which, because of the particular occupancy restriction imposed, are unattractive in the market for the consented, restricted use, even though the price has been reduced quite substantially over time.
“At the same time, in the view of the marketing agents, the dwellings would have been very attractive in the general housing market as family dwellings.
“The applicant has turned away at least 37 families who enquired about the potential purchase of the properties as full time family homes, i.e, these were not general searches, but specific enquiries made of the properties.”
Estate agents Dafydd Hardy and Beresford Adams were asked to compile a report on the marketing history of the site.
It concluded: “We have, we believe, demonstrated that a comprehensive, wide-ranging and sustained marketing campaign has been carried out with a very engaged client/owner who has responded to the marketing advice we have given.
“This has yielded very little positive results, and this indicates that the market for second/holiday homes, at the very least in Brynteg, is simply not there at this time.
“The question therefore is, is it right to leave valuable housing stock lying idle when it can be put to a positive and sustainable use, and meet the acknowledged need of local families seeking attractive and long-term family housing.”
The application is currently under review by planning officials at Anglesey Council.
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