Llandudno ‘bomb site’ apartment scheme deferred

Councillors deferred a planning decision on 89 affordable homes on a so-called “bomb site” in the heart of Llandudno – going against officer calls to refuse permission.

The plans would see Lane End Development Construction Ltd from Warrington and Clwyd Alyn working together on a 56 apartment and 33 house scheme on derelict land off Builder Street, next to Llandudno railway station.

Conwy county council’s planning committee on Wednesday heard officers objected to the plans because it partly sits in a conservation area and is an LDP allocated employment site for B1 (Business) land use.

It sits within a C1 flood zone and officers noted “potential land contamination” on the site, a former goods yard that has lain largely unused for a considerable time.

The four-storey apartment block’s design, near to listed buildings, and transport issues along Builder Street were also brought forward as issues with the development.

Councillors heard requests to back up claims from the applicant, that there was no business use demand for the land, by illustrating when it had been marketed and what offers had been submitted for it, had gone unheeded.
They also heard how the site, which had been proposed as ideal for those who walked and used cycles, had a shortfall of 36 parking spaces and insufficient play area for children.

However Cllr Ken Stevens (Pant yr Afon/Penmaenan ward) said anyone on a site visit this week would say the development was an “improvement to the area”.

He added: “It looks like a bomb site to me. I can’t remember anything ever being on there. It’s always been derelict.”

Cllr Austin Roberts (Eglwysbach ward) agreed with him. He said: “It’s a bit of an eyesore really. I do understand the objections of officers and the problems with transport.

“The design isn’t ideal maybe. But if we compare the design of this building with the police station nearby, this is a big improvement.

“There’s a great need for affordable housing in Conwy. Time after time we say we need affordable housing.

“Personally I feel this site is appropriate for affordable housing – I do see the need.”

Several other councillors backed up the need for affordable housing in the county but stopped short of proposing the scheme was accepted.

In the end Cllr Sue Lloyd Williams (Llansannan ward) proposed the scheme was deferred to alter date to allow the applicant to back up claims about a lack of demand for the site for business use.

The planning committee voted by 9-4 with one abstention to defer.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter