Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai is the largest Further Education College in Wales and operates out of campuses across North Wales, with a catchment area including the counties of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy and Denbighshire, serving a population of around 400,000 people. One of the Group's primary sites is Coleg Glynllifon, which is their designated specialist Land-Based Campus. It is one of only four Further Education Colleges in Wales which still delivers a full range of Agricultural and Land Based skills training.

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This consultation relates to a draft planning application for full planning permission for the erection of a building to provide a knowledge transfer centre comprising Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub together with associated works for landscaping, parking and access on land to the north of Pentref Addysg Glynllifon, Coleg Glynllifon, Llandwrog on behalf of Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai.

The proposal represents amendments and reductions to a previous scheme for a similar development of Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub. The previous scheme was subject to Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) in Spring/Summer 2023. Following receipt of comments from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Cadw, ecological and heritage advisers at the Local Planning Authority (LPA) noting concern with the extent of effects on protected species, protected ecological designations and designated heritage assets, amendments have been made to the proposals as follows:

• Use of existing vehicular access (main access into Parc Glynllifon) rather than creation of a new vehicular access from Lôn Cefn Glyn. This omits the need to demolish part of the listed Glynllifon wall to create a new access, as well as avoiding the need to remove an area of woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

• The omission of a new vehicular access from the north (Lôn Cefn Glyn) also omits the need for a new internal access road towards the development.

• The overall scale and number of buildings forming part of the Glynllifon Rural Economy Hub has also been reduced. Previously the proposal comprised of the a knowledge transfer centre and three ‘Food Hatchery / Incubator Units’. As part of this proposal, only one Knowledge Transfer Centre is proposed.

• The application site does extend into a narrow strip of woodland along the west of the site boundary, which forms part of the SAC and SSSI. However, the only proposals within this area are the erection of a barn owl box in the north-western corner, and the erection of ecological boxes on trees. A drainage connection is also proposed within the south-western corner.

Following amendments to the proposal, a formal consultation is now being undertaken in accordance with the requirements for PAC.

Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai  aims to achieve the following through the development of the Rural Economy Hub:

1. Encourage innovation by providing high-tech facilities for the development of new and emerging technologies with built in flexibility for future adaptation. The site will facilitate a knowledge transfer programme with the opportunity for new product development, presentation spaces and training courses.

2. Strengthen the community by working in partnership with local enterprises in order to promote social cohesion and provide networking opportunities for students and business owners. By improving connections with industry experts and educators, the wealth of resource and information will continue to grow at the site.

3. Provide opportunities for students by increasing the educational offering of the college, allowing the development of a progressive and relevant curriculum in suitable facilities. The scheme provides space for students to develop their skill set and access new markets.

4. Support the local economy of North Wales by introducing spaces with high quality, fit for purpose facilities designed for food technology, where access to such resources would usually be out of their reach due to high costs.

5. Champion sustainability by developing and strengthening local supply chains and encouraging renewable growth within the local and wider communities. Members of the local food industry will be able to develop their ideas into thriving and sustainable businesses.

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This proposal seeks to enhance the Rural Economy Hub at Coleg Glynllifon through the erection of a new Knowledge Transfer Centre. The concept of this centre is focused on creating a pool of 'know-how' and practical experience to stimulate innovation, growth and rural developments across sectors. This centre would provide business, training providers, academic institutions, students and partner organisations with a flexible, inspiring and vibrant space to share knowledge, know-how and experience. This space will develop an innovation eco-system to support the growth of regional businesses and the rural economy.

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The Knowledge Centre Building comprises of a two-storey building in a unique L - shape, making use of local resources for it's materials and reflecting the vernacular of the surrounding woodland. The design and materials used also respond to the existing contextual materials used for the unique architectural language within the Glynllifon Campus.

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The Knowledge Centre will include a development and showcase room, workshop, laboratory, flexible working spaces, event space, conference room and a variety of other spaces, aiming to be flexible and cater to the needs of its variety of users.

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The development will include works for a parking area, public open space, landscaping enhancements and site access extending from the existing internal road within the College campus, which connects to the A499.