SiopNEWydd Update - 29.05.2022

After much work by everyone, wide consultation and discussion, and a great deal of adjustment and refinement of design options, we are pleased to confirm that the directors have agreed on the scheme to be put forward as our planning application.  We believe the scheme to be innovative not just in its contemporary design but also in terms of both its sustainability as well as its provision for future expansion whilst retaining the main focus on the shop and Post Office. There are also large covered areas provided for sitting externally to the southern elevation and much needed safe parking provisions.

Just to recap:  Huw Griffiths Associates (HGA) our selected architect, developed two outline design alternatives for us.  These were informed by the wide community consultation events that took place last year through Ways of Working.  We presented these two designs for community consultation through December, and gathered diverse and helpful feedback through that process.  

Simultaneously we have gathered the necessary professional advice, including hydrology, mechanical and structural engineering, quantity surveyor (costing), ecology, planning, highways, and potential funding.  Taking all these factors together, directors and members of the project team have worked with HGA to develop the final scheme.  

 Most importantly this design:

• Has sustainability at its core, incorporating high levels of energy efficiency, solar generation and gain, natural ‘stack’ ventilation, and will use a high proportion of renewable materials

• Satisfies the rigorous requirements needed to get planning permission and meet building regulations

• Will be cost effective to maintain and operate

• Is fit for purpose and function as well as flexible and adaptable - now and into the future

• Has scope for further community input eg on finishes, colours, and many of the details

• Aims to create a welcoming and successful new community asset

We are sure everyone is keen to see the result!  We are therefore arranging a series of opportunities for you to see it.  These include:

• Making the design drawings including the site plan, internal layout, elevations, together with some computer graphic simulated views, available now via this SiopNEWydd website link. 

• Holding a virtual ‘Ask the Architect’ event at which HGA will present and explain the various aspects of the design, what has determined its scale and shape, and answer any questions from the community.  

• Holding a ‘drop-in’ session at the shop on Saturday 11th June so that you can see larger copies of the plans and discuss how the design has evolved and what will be submitted for planning consent.

We will be in touch further on dates and details for these events, and will look forward to seeing you and getting your support for the next stages of the project!

There is still work to do on the planning application, so this will continue in the background over the coming weeks.