Plans have been revealed for a major redevelopment of a former North Wales RAF base that became home to exiled Polish airmen and soldiers.
Penrhos Polish Village in Pwllheli was founded in 1949 by the Polish Housing Society Ltd to provide accommodation and support Polish ex-service men and women who remained in the 海角视频 following World War Two.
A hundred 100 exiled Polish airmen, soldiers and sailors established a Polish-speaking community on the former RAF Penrhos base, which soon grew in numbers.
The original and current Polish village facilities include a church, library ,a large communal dining hall, a shop and allotments.
A care home for veterans was also established on the site, but this was closed in 2020 when the housing group ClwydAlyn took possession of the site.
Now the housing association has launched a Pre Application Consultation (PAC) with Cadnant Planning in order to discuss the future redevelopment of the site.
It will involve the phased demolition and replacement of all of the existing residential accommodation on the site - with a total of 112 units planned.
Andy Fraser, development project manager at Clwyd Alyn said: “We are eager to hear the views of the local community on our plans for social housing at the site.
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“Since taking over the site in 2020, we have been working closely with staff and residents of Penrhos Polish Village to help us to understand the needs of the residents and the wider community, so that we can shape the future care and support services and develop high quality new homes.
“Our aim, in partnership with Gwynedd Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, is to create homes that are affordable and efficient that will strengthen and preserve the strong community that is already there. “
There are several key features to the new development
• The retention and re-enhancement of a crescent shaped development in the eastern portion of the site.
• The creation of a new crescent to the southern end of the main body of the site
• The creation of a central street or boulevard which link the dwellings at the southern end of the site with those to the north. An array of terraced housing and flats with mixed accommodation will be built along the new boulevard to create a new residential spine along the central axis of the site to promote greater social interaction between the residents of the new development
• A new public amenity space will be created opposite the chapel at the centre of the site creating a new social heart to the redeveloped village.
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Councillor Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for Housing said: “Over the years, the Penrhos Polish village has provided care and support for generations of older people.
"Since the Polish Housing Society took the difficult decision to close the residential home, Gwynedd Council has been working closely with ClwydAlyn housing association and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to develop proposals that would see the continued use of this important site for the future.
“We are delighted that a Pre-Application Consultation on the the first phase of the redevelopment of the site is now underway. As one of the key partners, Gwynedd Council will be attending the drop-in events and we would urge anyone who would like to learn more about this first step in the proposals to regenerate this imporatnt site to come along and share their initial views.”
The site currently accommodates those over 55 years of age with strong links to those from the Polish community as well as people from the local area.
Andy Fraser added: “Our mission is to beat poverty and ensure that everyone in North Wales has access to excellent quality housing.
“This is an exciting new scheme for ClwydAlyn, one that we hope will address a key need for housing in the local area as well as boost local employment."
The consultation will be open will until 29 November, giving people the opportunity to attend one of the three arranged information events or view ClwydAlyn’s plans online.
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These events will be held on the:
- 9 th November, Penrhos Polish Village, 2-6pm
- 10 th November, Llanbedrog Village Hall, 4-8pm
- 11 th November, Pwllheli Golf Club, 4-8pm
Those unable to attend the information events can also see details of ClwydAlyn’s proposals and provide comments at .