Plans for 49 homes in Llandudno rejected

Plans for 49 homes in Llandudno have been rejected following fears of the impact they would have on a nearby school.

Anwyl Construction Company Limited wanted to build the homes on green land in Nant y Gamar Road, Craig y Don, adjacent to Ysgol Y Gogarth – a day and residential special school catering for around 260 pupils.

The application had previously been marked for approval – despite over 200 letters of objection.

But in a last-minute change, Conwy planning officers recommended councillors reject the development – unless Anwyl could prove the homes would not damage children’s education or their enjoyment of the surrounding environment.

The planning committee’s vote was finely balanced with six councillors voting in favour of following planning officers’ recommendation to reject the plans. Five voted in favour of allowing the new homes.

Cllr Pauline Heap-Williams abstained, complaining she did not hear the debate due to internet problems.

Before the vote, resident Mike Parry pleaded with councillors to reject the plans, conserve green land and consider the impact on Ysgol Y Gogarth 260 pupils.

He said children would not want to look out of  their windows only to see a construction site instead of quiet fields.
“The tranquillity is all gone when the diggers arrive. Have some empathy. This is not the place to build houses”, he said.

Speaking of the nearby busy roads, he added: “There have been accidents. The feeder roads are dangerous as it is. More traffic will increase the probability of a serious accident. It is bedlam at 3pm. Heaven forbid if someone is seriously injured on that junction. Your decision counts here to save lives.”

David Rowley, chair of governors at Ysgol Y Gogarth added: “The impact on this unique provision would be catastrophic, leading to family breakdowns and the placement of children in locations across the UK – incalculable human cost to children and families.”

Cllr Frank Bradfield added: “The rights of the children at Ysgol Y Gogarth are not being given due consideration.
“This development will destroy the calm and serenity of the current school site. Calm and serenity will be replaced by traffic, noise and hustle and bustle.”

An equality assessment formed part of the council’s planning committee report. The report speculated how noise pollution could disturb some children and interfere with their enjoyment of tranquil green space.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter