Residents’ Concerns Over Landscape Ignored as Plans for 70-Home Estate Approved in Glan Conwy

Plans for a 70-home estate have been approved for Glan Conwy – despite residents’ concerns about the landscape.
Phase one of the work had already been approved, but the new planning permission extends to a further 14 homes at the Maes y Felin site on agricultural land between Top Llan Road and the A470.
By changing the site layout from mostly detached houses to more semi-detached homes, the revised plan adds 14 extra homes to the overall development compared to what was previously approved.
The plans were agreed in line with officers’ recommendation at a planning meeting today (Wednesday 14 October) at the authority’s Coed Pella HQ in Colwyn Bay.
Speaking against the plans, resident James Hughes said: “This development occupies a highly prominent location on the entrance to the Conwy Valley and one of the most principal approaches to the national park. It is a gateway location which should be treated with exceptional care because of its landscape setting and visual importance.”
He went on to say the development was “intrusive” and “dominant within the landscape”.
Speaking in favour on behalf of Cartrefi Conwy, Peter Lloyd then cited the need for “delivering local homes for local people”, pointing out the homes were also “affordable”.
Mr Lloyd explained that phase one of the housing scheme was already complete and that the net gain was “modest” in terms of an additional 14 homes.
Cllr Mandy Hawkins said the new houses would “benefit residents immensely” and proposed councillors backed the scheme.
Cllr David Carr seconded Cllr Hawkins’ proposal.
“I’ve looked at the complaints or reservations, but on balance we do need the social housing in the county. This is 70 affordable homes.”
He added: “They’ve got 35 spare places in the village school. We need to get the village school with children in it.”
Cllr Chris Cater said the houses already built as phase one of the scheme did look “very smart”.
The plans were voted through unanimously.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter