Plans for 128 New Affordable Homes in Abergele Backed Despite Concerns about Flooding and NHS

Plans for 128 new affordable homes in Abergele were backed by Conwy’s planning committeepn Wednesday, despite concerns about flooding and NHS provision.
Cartrefi Developments Ltd was granted planning permission for 128 homes at the former Interleisure site on Towyn Road, Pensarn, Abergele.
The site was previously occupied by the Pensarn Children’s Camp, which was demolished during or prior to the 1970s.
The plans include 32 one-bedroom homes, 42 two-bedroom homes, 40 three-bedroom, twelve four-bedroom, and two five-bedroom homes.
Cllr Alan Hunter proposed councillors backed the plans, adding that the homes’ designs were eco-friendly.
“I’ve followed this site since I first became a councillor in 2016,” he said.
“There have been various applications come and go, and I have to say this one that has come before us today is probably the best I’ve seen.
“It could potentially be the most eco-friendly development in Wales. I said earlier on I went to a public meeting where there was a display of the type of building materials used and the fact that it is going to create jobs in the area as well.”
He added: “These are the sort of houses we need, 100% affordable, rental houses. The mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, threes, and a couple of fives is absolutely ideal, and I’ve got no hesitation whatsoever in proposing we go with the officers’ recommendation.”
Cllr Ifor Lloyd seconded the proposal.
“I’m sure the general public will be asking why we are building this down here even though it’s in the Tan 15 flood map,” he said.
“Well, in simple terms, it (the land) has been raised, so it won’t get islanded and become a problem if there is flooding. What does lift my heart is the 65% of two and three-bedroom affordable houses.
“These are much in demand in our county and will solve a huge problem. But there is a massive need in our housing matrix of two and three-bedroom houses, so I’m very happy to second the proposal.”
Cllr Jo Nuttall had concerns about any increase to the size of the population and the potential strain it could put on the NHS and local doctor surgeries.
Cllr Nuttall suggested a 106 agreement be put in place so the developer would make a financial contribution to health care provision, but planning officers said the health board hadn’t identified precisely what any concerns might be.
Officers also said that the health board hadn’t identified ‘a delivery mechanism’ of how any requested contribution might be spent.
Cllr Nuttall then said Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board could have done ‘so much better’.
The committee voted unanimously in favour of the application.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter