Controversial Plans to Demolish Bungalow Approved for Nine New Homes in Llansanffraid

Conwy’s planning committee backed controversial plans to demolish a bungalow and build nine new homes in its place in the village of Llansanffraid near Glan Conwy.
Applicant Mr W Williams applied to Conwy’s planning department, seeking permission to demolish Glynton at Top Llan Road and build on the land.
The application was granted at this week’s planning committee meeting at Bodlondeb after the matter was deferred at a previous meeting, due to the details being amended late on by the developer.
The new homes will be two storeys and varying between two, three, and four bedrooms.
The development will now include one two-bedroom and one three-bedroom property for affordable homes as part of a 106 agreement with the council, subject to highways details being agreed by officers.
Although the site is relatively flat, it is elevated above the surrounding homes, and some residents opposed the plans, complaining the development will be overbearing and cause drainage and traffic problems.
Speaking in favour of the development on behalf of the applicant, Mr Rhys Davies said: “Building on previously developed land brings challenges and this site is no exception, particularly when surrounded by neighbouring houses; however, in this case, all potential effects on neighbours have been thoroughly considered with detailed assessments with additional, robust site level information, showing that the separation and privacy distances between houses and neighbours will exceed the required standards.”
He added: “Additionally, a detailed daylight assessment has been carried out by specialists which shows that the proposed development complies with those standards, and as your officers will confirm in their report, daylight and sunlight impact is not being seen as a reason for refusing this application.”
But local councillor Sharon Doleman was unhappy with the plans.
“Llansanffraid is a Welsh village, the gateway to the Conwy Valley,” she said.
“We have a strong, vibrant community and culture and history of which we are very proud.
“We are also blessed or as some would say cursed with having stunning views of the rivers and mountains. It makes our village a highly desirable place to retire to or to have a second home or Airbnbs.
“Over the past five years we have seen five developments of luxury homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments at £190,000 to a detached four-bedroom house for £850,000. Several of these executive homes still remain unsold.”
She added: “In addition we have a development of 107 homes currently under construction, 30% of which will be affordable homes. We do not need any more luxury executive homes in our village. We need homes for local families who want to continue living here in the village.”
Cllr Doleman then said the development would impact on neighbours’ well-being, adding the roads were only built for horse and carts.
Cllr Alan Hunter proposed the committee went with the officers’ recommendation of approving the development with conditions. This was seconded by Cllr Ifor Lloyd, and the developer was granted permission by the committee.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter