PLANNERS have thrown out plans to extend the Pines Residential Home for the elderly and disabled in Criccieth, claiming that increasing the beds from the present 19 to 57 would be over-development of the town centre site. But some councillors have supported the principle of increasing the number of beds, but on a much smaller scale. They have suggested that it would be appropriate for the home’s owner, Samuel McKinley, to reconsider the scale of the development and draw up plans for a smaller extension. Planning manager, Gruff Morris, told members of the Dwyfor Area planning committee of his concern about the scale of the development proposed by Mr McKinley. Recommending refusal of the application, Mr Morris drew attention to the strong objections locally as well as the unanimous objection of Criccieth Town Council. As many as 27 letters of objection had been received, plus a petition signed by 172 people, the vast majority of them living in Criccieth. But Mr Morris conceded that another petition, signed by 1005 people, 247 of them from Criccieth, supporting the application, had been received. In a letter Mr McKinley had agreed to reduce the number of beds by eight, to 57, pointing out that there would be parking provision within the site for 30 vehicles. His letter claimed that there was an urgent need for additional elderly mentally ill (EMI) beds in the Dwyfor area, as one such home would soon be closing. Local member, Cllr Henry Jones, putting forward arguments against such a large scale development, said: “The 57 beds now proposed would still be over-development and totally unacceptable in Criccieth, which already has three homes for the elderly. “We have to take into account the objections of so many local people and I would urge members to reject such a large scale development.” But some members, making clear their views that extra EMI beds are necessary in Gwynedd, suggested that officers should ask Mr McKinley to resubmit the application, but on a smaller scale. Said Cllr Tomos Evans: “What we have here is an application by a private developer to increase the size of his home for the elderly to meet the obvious need for extra beds, and I am wondering whether it is possible to reach a compromise in terms of number of beds.” Recognising the need for additional EMI beds in Gwynedd, Cllr Stephen Churchman added: “I am not in favour of dismissing this application out of hand. “We should try and reach a compromise.” Pointing out he was speaking as a member of the Community Health Council, Cllr Selwyn Griffiths added: “I feel it is time for Gwynedd Council to consider future EMI provision right across the county, the need for extra beds is obvious.” The application was rejected by a majority vote, leaving Mr McKinley either to appeal to the National Assembly or submit a smaller scale application. | 
