Historic Anglesey chapel will be converted into four-bed holiday let

Capel Pen Y Garnedd at Pentraeth
-Credit: (Image: Google)


A 19th century Grade II-listed chapel on Anglesey is to be converted into a four-bedroom holiday let. Plans to convert the Pen-y-Garnedd Calvinistic Methodist Chapel at Pentraeth have been approved.

Anglesey Council said the property could be used by applicants Lee and Sarah Maher for "short term" holiday rental. It will not be able to be used as a person’s sole or main place of residence, or by anyone for more than a period of 31 days in any calendar year.

A report said: "The building was erected in 1876, in Pentraeth parish, to an unknown design and by and unknown architect/builder. The name of the building Pen-y-Garnedd means 'head of the cairn', deriving from the name of the farm (Pengarnedd) the land of which the building was erected upon."

READ MORE: 'Hatred for English in North Wales astounding,' walkers claim

READ NEXT: When the 20mph speed limit prosecution threshold could change in Wales

The building had an entry in the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales’ Coflein database, which describes an earlier Pen-y-Garnedd Methodist Chapel built in 1793, but which was rebuilt in 1824, and rebuilt again in 1876. The building was listed in 1968.

An image of what the inside of the chapel could look like after conversion
An image of what the inside of the chapel could look like after conversion -Credit:Anglesey County Council planning documents image

Plans said: "The building is now grade II-listed, as a simple nineteenth century chapel retaining many original features." It also notes the plans proposed to "re-purpose the building as one residential dwelling".

The main principle was to achieve "minimal changes to external fabric to ensure that the external form of the chapel retains its character and appearance". Among the work planned, a decorated ceiling would be repaired and left open to view, while pews and flooring would be removed with timber re-utilised for new wall panelling and repairs to damaged areas, according to the report.

Features inside the chapel at Pentraeth
Features inside the chapel at Pentraeth -Credit:IoACC planning document

The plans said: "Where possible all other architectural and decorative features are to be retained in all the units so it’s clear what the space once was. The primary aim is to build seasonal rental residences and running parallel to this is the public benefit of sustaining a historic asset for the long term.

"The outcome of accommodation fit for 21st century dwelling is the incentive for the active conservation of the chapel. Putting the chapel to a viable use unlocks the investment in its repair and maintenance necessary for long-term conservation."

The plans state the site will offer "a spacious and inviting single large scale accommodation, ideal for groups for up to seven to eight guests".

Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone