Charity buildings from 17th Century to become 'affordable' homes for young people

A Grade-II listed building that once provided charitable housing is set to be converted into "affordable" homes for young people.

Penmynydd Almshouses, on Anglesey, were established in 1620 following a £1,000 will donation to supply housing for "the poor of good and honest character" in the area.

Ten men aged over 50 lived there initially, before women were later allowed to move in. By the 1960s, the number of units halved to five, and the last resident moved out in May 2011.

Anglesey council has now granted permission for plans to convert the five existing residential properties into three, to create rental housing that enables residents to save for future home-ownership.

Almshouses are charitable housing provided for people in need, historically for the poor, elderly, or disabled. They are often run by a charity or trust.

The first donation for the almshouses was left in the will of Lewis Rogers in 1617 and although it was "generous", it was not enough for both the building and operation of the almshouses.

The houses then benefited from funds left in the will of Lewis Owen in 1624, who became the second benefactor.

Residents of the almshouses had to follow strict rules as part of the agreement to stay there.

Penmynydd almshouses have been vacant for more 15 years, with the last resident moved to a council property in Llangefni in 2011.

Also known as Tai Lewis Rogers, the building currently consists of five single-storey houses and external wash houses, with two adjacent paddocks.

Yet years of disuse has made the property "no longer habitable" according to the plans, but the newly approved renovation will keep the historical site in the community.

The "trustees' vision" is to refurbish the existing buildings and provide three two-bedroom units suitable for contemporary living while "preserving the architectural integrity" of the almshouses.

The plans aim to provide "high-quality homes for young people and families in Penmynydd", while respecting the building's "historical and architectural significance".

The application said Penmynydd was "a rural village facing significant challenges" in terms of housing availability.

"High property prices, a shortage of affordable housing, and restrictions on new construction make it nearly impossible for young individuals and families to stay in the area," it said.

It said the housing crisis had led to an "exodus" of Welsh-speaking young people in search of housing elsewhere, which was negatively affecting the community's "linguistic balance".

"The trustees believe that the needs of Welsh people in Penmynydd align with the spirit of Lewis Rogers' original intention, which was to provide for those in need," it said.

"By providing modern, affordable homes for young people, the almshouses will once again serve a crucial role in the community."

Discussions about the future of the almshouses had been going on for the past decade.

The application, which was made through the Penmynydd Almshouse Trust, includes alterations and extensions, the creation of a treatment plant and solar panels.

Proposals to transfer ownership to the Church in Wales, which would have allowed the sale of the property, were rejected by the trust as they wanted to protect Rogers' "mission" of the buildings.

The trustees said they believed any other course of action would be a "dereliction of their duties", so the decision was made to refurbish the almshouses, the plans said.

"Despite their current state, the almshouses remain a highly valued historical site at the heart of the Penmynydd community," it added.