Duty-free retail building at Porthladd Caergybi / Holyhead Port, Holyhead

What was proposed

A new duty-free retail building and customer toilet block would replace existing containers and buildings, with a lighting pole relocated.

“Description: Full application for the erection of a new duty-free retail building and customer toilet block at…”

“This is a full application for the erection of a new duty-free retail building and customer toilet block at Holyhead Port. The new building will replace the existing containers and buildings that are currently on the site that are used as a duty-free and toilet block facilities. The proposal also entails the re-location of the lighting pole.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The recorded planning history includes a screening opinion for 25 vertical-axis wind turbines.

“19C1046B/SCR - Screening opinion for 25 vertical axis wind turbines…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the replacement building would improve design and facilities without causing unacceptable effects on the area or nearby uses.

“It is considered that the proposal to replace the existing temporary containers and structures which are currently used for duty free purposes including ancillary facilities such as toilets and replacing with a high quality building is acceptable. The scale and design of the building is acceptable and the proposal represents improved facilities of a higher design and quality than what is currently on the site.”

“The proposal will not harm the setting of any nearby listed buildings or the setting of the Conservation Area and suitable measures have been put in place to ensure that the proposal will not impact protected sites, watercourses or the coast.”

Officer report

What residents said

One objection questioned the building’s location, the site’s priorities and whether the proposal would benefit Holyhead rather than the operator.

“The proposal has been advertised through the distribution of personal letters of notification to the occupiers of neighbouring properties. The latest date for the receipt of any representation was the 29 December, 2026. At the time of writing this report, 1 letter of objection had been received The main points raised are summarised below:”

“The location of the duty-free building is clearly shown on the details on the public portal. The duty- free building will be located in the same area as the current temporary containers and structures that are already located on the site and used as a duty free shop, toilets etc. · Each planning application must be determined as it has been presented and is considered against relevant local and national policies.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent said the proposal would replace unsuitable temporary buildings, improve safety and appearance, retain ferry operations and address flood and ecological matters.

What members considered

The team leader outlined the proposal, consultation response and policy assessment, after which two councillors supported approval.

“The Team Leader reported that the application is for the erection of a new duty-free retail building and customer toilet block at Holyhead Port. The new building will replace the existing containers and buildings that are currently on the site that are used as a duty-free and toilet block facilities. The proposal also entails the re- location of the lighting pole.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the officer recommendation and subject to the report’s planning conditions.

“It was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the planning conditions contained within the report.”

Minutes