22 holiday units at Eirianfa Country Park, Llangollen

What was proposed

The application proposed 22 holiday accommodation units, a storage building, parking, internal paths, treatment facilities, landscaping and related works.

“03/2024/1474/PF Proposal - Datblygu tir trwy godi 22 o unedau llety gwyliau newydd (Defnydd Dosbarth C6) ac un storfa, creu mannau parcioa llwybrau mewnol, gosod offer trin pecyn, tirlunio a gwaith cysylltiedig (yn lle caniatadau sy'n bodoli 03/2001/0028 &03/2003/1196) / Development of land by the erection of 22 new holiday accommodation units (Use Class C6) and one storagebuilding, formation of parking and internal pathways, installation of package treatment plant,…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site lies between the A5 and River Dee, within open countryside, a protected landscape and the World Heritage Site buffer zone.

“The site between the A5 and the River Dee. The site sits between the White Waters Hotel and Ystrad Hall and has historically been associated both sites and used as part of these. The site was later used as a touring campsite and has extant consents for holiday accommodation lodges. The site has an existing formal access bound by stone walls which is shared with the adjoining White Waters Hotel. The site is well enclosed by existing trees and hedges.”

“The River Dee is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The SAC also has a phosphrous -sensitive catchment, due to the levels exceeding the acceptable levels of phosphate in the river. The site is therefore within this and the proposed development also has to be assessed throught he Habitat Regulations due to this, and potential direct impacts upon the river due to the sites proximity to the river.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme would improve existing permissions through consistent design, landscaping, biodiversity measures, drainage controls and site management.

“The above duty has been given due consideration in the determination of this application. It is considered that the proposed development does not have any significant implications for, or effect on, persons who share a protected characteristic, over and above any other person. 5.”

“The scheme would deliver significant planting and biodiversity enhancemnet measures which would result in a net benefit to biodiveristy. Officers consider that the scheme would create significant economic benefits for the area through construction, job creation and use. As the units are proposed to be let only, this would ensure the ongoing management/upkeep of the units and site generally.”

Officer report

What residents raised

Neighbours objected over landscape impact, unnecessary holiday accommodation, traffic, overdevelopment, safety, noise, privacy, pollution, biodiversity and pressure on local infrastructure.

“Llangollen is a small town comprising a good level of well-established holiday accommodation; with B&B’s, Hotels, Self-Catering and Camping & Caravanning all situated in the town or within a mile of it. The proposed units represent an unnecessary expansion of holiday accommodation with no demand.”

“Noise and Pollution: The development could lead to higher noise levels and pollution in the area, including pollution from traffic. Construction noise and traffic will impact the neighbouring properties' amenity. Neighbouring Properties Amenity: There could be negative impacts on the privacy and tranquility of neighbouring properties. The proposal references the maintenance of "existing mature planting" along the boundary line.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker supporting the application described the scheme as an improved brownfield redevelopment with environmental measures, local construction work and employment opportunities.

What members discussed

Members considered the sensitive landscape and river setting, the existing fallback permission, environmental conditions, highways mitigation and the proposal’s overall improvement.

“General Debate – Councillor Karen Edwards (Local Member) stated that the application represented a complex and finely balanced proposal relating to a long-established tourism site on the edge of Llangollen, located within a highly sensitive landscape and environmental setting.”

“From a landscape perspective, it was suggested that the revised proposal represented an improvement on the existing approved plans, although it still introduced built development within a sensitive valley landscape. Highways officers were also satisfied with the proposal, subject to standard mitigation measures relating to access and construction traffic.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee granted the application and associated conditions in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“Proposal – Councillor Karen Edwards proposed that the application be granted in accordance with the officer recommendation and subject to the conditions outlined in the report. This proposal was seconded by Councillor Alan James.”

“RESOLVED: that the application and associated conditions be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendation.”

Minutes