PLANNING permission has been granted for a new bypass in Meirionnydd which will “bring high quality jobs to the area”.

The development of the Meirionnydd economy ‘took a step forward this week’ when planning permission was granted for a bypass for the village of Llanbedr and improved access to Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, says Gwynedd council.

This work forms part of a wider suite of infrastructure improvements on the site itself to improve its offer to prospective high quality businesses.

The bypass has been the subject of much controversy, with some residents fearing the road will decimate local trade, but was passed by the national park’s planning committee today (Wednesday).

Lee Paul, of Snowdonia Aerospace LLP which holds the long term lease for the Snowdonia Aerospace Centre located in Llanbedr explained: “We are currently in negotiations with a number of companies in both the space and unmanned flight sectors.

“The improvement of the existing approach to site is of paramount importance to their decision to locate at Llanbedr.

“Today’s decision takes us closer to being able to realise that prospect, and could be pivotal to the success of the Centre.”

Cllr Ioan Thomas, economic development cabinet member for Gwynedd Council said: “This is a very promising decision for the economy of Meirionnydd. We have long supported the development of Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, especially since its inclusion as part of Welsh Government’s Snowdonia Enterprise Zone, as offering a rare opportunity to attract high quality jobs to the area, and are aware that infrastructure improvements must be made to allow the centre to reach its full potential.”

Along with the development of the local economy, the new bypass is expected to alleviate significant traffic pressures in an area with high visitor numbers.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, cabinet member for environment on Gwynedd Council added: “The problems associated with the high traffic flows through Llanbedr, coupled with its narrow layout have been identified for decades.

"The first call for a bypass came in 1953, and plans have been progressed several times since then.

"Unfortunately resources were never available to move these plans forward, and so we are encouraged that a new bypass for Llanbedr is now closer than ever before.

"It would also add to the incremental improvements which have been made to the area’s transport infrastructure over recent years, such as Pont Briwet, improving connectivity across the region and nationally.”