A DOZEN new jobs could be created if a “substantial” new development on the outskirts of Dolgellau takes place.

A proposal to completely remodel the Esso garage/service station on the A470 just outside the town is currently being reviewed by Snowdonia National Park’s planning committee.

Should the development take place, 24 jobs could be created, four full-time and 20 part-time.

Currently the garage employs 12 part-time staff.

Simon Hall Architects, which is in charge of the project, says it will also insist on using local tradesmen wherever possible to complete the overhaul, further boosting the local economy.

The proposal, which will require “a large amount of capital” from applicant and current garage owner Sioned Evans, will see the demolition of the existing “unsightly flat-roofed building” which is “completely out of keeping with the surrounding natural landscape and local character”, the planning officers have been told.

The attached shop, called ‘Cwt Gwyn Cyf’, will be “completely in keeping with the neighbouring buildings and landscape, particularly the Little Chef restaurant” and a “vast improvement” on the current building, according to project managers.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News