PROPOSALS to convert a library in St Asaph into flats have been refused planning permission.

An application was lodged by the Diocese of St Asaph, with Anglesey-based Dewis Architecture, to convert the Dean’s Library, on Upper Denbigh Road, into three self-contained flats and one-short-term accommodation unit for church personnel only.

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The library was originally constructed as a facility for clergy to study and to prepare for and sit examinations.

It housed a collection of books were used for reference purposes for clergy and texts documenting the history of the Diocese of St Asaph and the Church in Wales. 

It was refurbished in 1971, which enabled space in the building to be cleared to allow for conferences to be held, and for the building used as a parish hall and for convening meetings of community groups.

But following a decrease in demand for use of the building and higher running costs, The Dean and Chapter, the charity which are custodians of the building, decided in 2012 to lease it out in the commercial sector. 

It was used for many years as a fitness centre and gymnasium, but the cost of business rates meant this became unsustainable.

Extracts from a supporting statement from Dewis Architecture read: “The demand in St Asaph centres around rented domestic accommodation.

“t is with that knowledge that the Dean and Chapter are eager to re-purpose this building as a residential dwelling that would be rented out to tenants.

“Rents generated by the apartments within the building will justify the future investment that is needed to secure its future.”

It cited the following potential benefits in approving the application:

  • Securing the future of the building.
  • Providing rented accommodation in the city.
  • Enabling The Dean and Chapter to secure the funding necessary for the development.
  • In the long term, generating an income that can be used to safeguard the ongoing conservation and development of St Asaph Cathedral itself.
  • Ensuring that a prominent building within St Asaph will once again be in use and not left vacant.

Beth Roberts, a resident of Fron Haul, made a submission to Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee raising “some very grave concerns” about the application, primarily regarding parking arrangements.

The council’s planning committee refused the application on April 8, stating: “Insufficient evidence has been submitted to substantiate the loss of an employment use and local service, or that the former use as a gym/fitness centre is financially unviable.

“The lack of windows to serve a habitable room would not be in line with policy principles and guidance which seek to protect residential amenity.”