Rhosneigr surpasses Trearddur Bay with volume of second homes

Rhosneigr and the surrounding area now has the highest proportion of second and holiday homes on the island –  higher than Trearddur Bay for the first time.

The details came as planners rejected an  application over an Anglesey studio annexe amid a 150% “over-concentration” of holiday accommodation in the village.

A retrospective application for the retention of an existing building as a holiday let at Ty Llwyd, Llanfaelog, was turned down by Anglesey County Council’s planning and orders committee.

Part of Ty Llwyd, the property ‘The Hoot’ had seen the application approved by councillors on September 2 – against the officer’s recommendation to refuse.

As such, the matter had been brought back to the committee on Wednesday (October 7)  but this time it was rejected.

Head of development and planning Rhys Lloyd Jones said: “Favourable consideration will not be given to applications for self-serviced holiday accommodation when the existing combination of holiday accommodation and second homes within the community council area is higher than 15%.

“As of January 2026, the percentage of second homes and holiday accommodation in the Llanfaelog community council area was 37.49%, almost a 150% increase to the threshold noted in the SPG (supplementary planning guidance) and represents a significant over provision of holiday accommodation.”

The community council area covers Llanfaelog, Rhosneigr, Ty Croes, Bryn Du, and Pencarnisiog.

The latest figures from the council tax department received yesterday (Tuesday) also showed an increase to 37.57 at Llanfaelog, he said.

He added: “Llanfaelog has now the highest number of second and holiday homes on the island, higher than Trearddur Bay for the first time.”

The property under scrutiny was described as in open countryside around 1.1km north of Llanfaelog.

Erected in 2012, it had been subject to an enforcement investigation.  The applicant had claimed its use as holiday accommodation since 2012, and that a Certificate of Lawfulness application for the claimed used was determined unlawful in August, 2025, a report said.

It added: “Whilst evidence did show some holiday letting in the early years, the building was only marketed online from July 2023, and the building had also been used as a photography studio in the same period.

“It was concluded that the building had not been continuously used as a holiday let over the required period of 10 years or more.”

Online booking sites had described it as “romantic” and a “unique couples’ retreat” – “a private, luxurious studio with countryside views and rustic charm on the edge of Rhosneigr”.

Supporting councillors said the property was closer to the Bryngwran ward – with a lower percentage of second homes and holiday lets.

Mr Lloyd Jones confirmed  the application site was around 1.2km away from the ward boundary.

“It is clearly within the ward of Llanfaelog, which has a significant over provision of second homes and holiday lets,” he said.

He warned the committee of “setting a precedent”, adding: “If you approve this you must approve others.”

Noting policy guidance he stated “Large concentrations of second homes and short-term holiday accommodation can lead to major changes to communities as the nature of the neighbourhood changes. Issues and problems can emerge in many different ways and create less stable local communities.”

The application was made by Richard and Gillian Jones through the agent Berwyn Owen.

Local member Cllr Neville Evans read a letter from them stating  the Hoot had “enjoyed a 91% occupancy” rate.

“We would not have been able to do so unless we provided something that is needed in our area,” he read on their behalf.

“I have not changed my opinion time and accepted the officer’s comments and that there are too many holiday lets and second homes in the Llanfaelog area.

“This has existed for a long time. I don’t think this would set a precedent.

“It attracts people, there’s a need for it and it’s within a stone’s throw of the Bryngwran ward, it isn’t in Rhosneigr or Llanfaelog, it’s in the countryside.”

Cllr Dougie Fowlie said it was “not taking a home out of use with this”.

He added: “This is simply because it is being classified as a second home in the Llanfaelog area.”

Mr Lloyd Jones replied: “I don’t think I said it was taking a home from a local person, or referred to it as a second home.

“The policy is about holiday accommodation and this falls under that definition.”

Cllr Fowlie seconded Cllr Evans’ proposal to approve, whilst Cllr Jackie Lewis  proposed refusal, seconded by Cllr Robert Llewelyn Jones.

Cllr Jones said:  “This is the right way to go. The door has been closed  to stop the development of more holiday lets in this area. Some councillors want to open that door.”

Cllr Fowlie added the studio was not a home and would be “suitable for no other use than holiday accommodation”.

During voting, equal numbers were found in both for and against proposals.

The final decision fell to the presiding chair, Cllr Geraint ap Ifan Bebb, who went with the officer’s recommendation to refuse.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter