Campsite cafe, shop and reception proposal for 'base camp' close to paths up Yr Wyddfa

Plans are in for a cafe and shop at a site near the start of two famous paths up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Snowdon Base Camp is a popular and long-established campsite near Rhyd Ddu in Eryri National Park.

It is situated near the Rhyd Ddu and Snowdon Ranger paths to the summit of Wales's highest mountain. Now the site wants to expand its facilities.

They want to erect a new building to provide a cafe and a shop for campsite users - as well as use it for a staff rest room and admin, and as a dry store. The owners said it will help them compete with other local sites as well as raising the bar for the area.

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Julie Bamber said: "The building will include campsite reception, café, shop, office, staff rest room/sick bay, dry goods store and log store. The main reason for the application is to be able to run our campsite efficiently and sustainably from the site.

"The reception, office and log store (with underfloor heating) are key factors in the application, they will enable us to welcome our campers to the site and provide our campers peace of mind on safety and security of the site. The cafe and shop will provide services for our campers and also be a sheltered area for our campers during poor weather conditions."

Green Planning Studio Ltd have been instructed by Mr. G. Bamber to submit an application for full planning permission to Eryri National Park.

They said: "The proposals result in a clear improvement of Snowdon Base Camp making a commitment to placemaking and sustainability through its design ethos. The proposed amenities of the site will enable Snowdon Base Camp to become a quality choice destination campsite, best placed to compete with similar nearby campsites and across Europe.

"The proposals maintain the crucial balance between, providing the amenities visitors to a modern campsite in a world class setting expect, with protecting the integrity of the natural landscape and Special Qualities of Snowdonia/Eryri.

"The proposals protect, celebrate, and enhance the landscapes, unique wildlife, rich heritage, and vibrant culture which contribute to Eryri National Park's special qualities. The plans have responded pro-actively in the context of the previous (refusal) decision, the Future Wales 2040 outcomes, Planning Policy Wales 11 as well as the relevant parts of the Eryri Local Development Plan."

The plans will now be considered by the national park's planning authority.

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