PLANS to convert a former Bangor nightclub into shops and flats will be debated by council planners next week.

Sylfaen Associates has applied for permission to convert the former Joop (and later Mirage) nightclub at the end of Bangor High Street to three start-up shops and eight flats.

According to the submission that will be considered by Gwynedd Council’s planning committee on Monday, the development would include “low-cost market housing” and meet the demand for such homes in the area.

The change of use would convert the current building from a nightclub into three retail units on the ground floor, along with three self-contained units to the rear, four self-contained units on the first floor and one self-contained unit on the second floor. 

The plans have not attracted any objections during the consultation period, with the city council also backing the proposal.

Planning officers, who are recommending approval, noted in their report: “The housing supply figures held by the Council’s Housing Options Team  for Hirael, shows that 133 persons need a one-bedroom house, 213 persons need a two-bedroom house, 133 persons need a three-bedroom house and 29 persons need a four- bedroom house.

“These figures show that there is a significant shortage of one- bedroom and two-bedroom units in the local area and this proposal would contribute towards the particular need for smaller residential units within the Hirael ward.”

The club had been well known in the city, as Barrels in the 1990’s and early 2000’s and then later became known as Joop. It then closed for a period before being re-opened as Mirage in 2015 and closing again a year later.

A decision will be made when the committee meets in Caernarfon on Monday.