Agenda item

To consider an application for Demolition of existing hotel buildings and construction of new 39 bedroom hotel; revisions to layout of commenced 42 unit holiday lodge park to accommodate a total of 58 lodges, extension of the holiday lodge park involving use of 3 parcels of land for the siting of 31 additional lodges (making a total of 89 lodges); and associated works including new and altered vehicular accesses, highway works, passing places, drainage, retaining structures, bat mitigation building, provision of recreational areas and landscaping at Bryn Morfydd Hotel, Llanrhaeadr Y C, Denbigh (copy attached).

Councillor Joe Welch declared a personal interest as he was a member of the same running club as the owner of Bryn Morfydd.

Councillor Alan James, Vice-Chair, took over the Chair for the following item.

An application was submitted for demolition of existing hotel buildings and construction of new 39 bedroom hotel; revisions to layout of commenced 42 unit holiday lodge park to accommodate a total of 58 lodges, extension of the holiday lodge park involving use of 3 parcels of land for the siting of 31 additional lodges (making a total of 89 lodges); and associated works including new and altered vehicular accesses, highway works, passing places, drainage, retaining structures, bat mitigation building, provision of recreational areas and landscaping at Bryn Morfydd Hotel, Llanrhaeadr Y.C., Denbigh.

Public Speaker –

Mr John Paul Williams (Against) – stated concerns had been expressed regarding scale, impact on the community, road safety, noise pollution, air pollution and possible dog  issues due to the close proximity of grazing/agricultural land around Bryn Morfydd.  The scale of the development would be excessive and have a detrimental effect on the character of the site and create a negative view from the village and surrounding areas.

Ms Georgia Crawley (Agent) (For) – stated proposals had been designed to ensure a viable redevelopment of the site.  The redevelopment would secure 20 full time jobs for local people.  The Economic and Business Regeneration section have confirmed the development would be in line with the Tourism Growth Plan.   Building the hotel together with the 89 lodges meant the redevelopment would be a viable business.  It was confirmed that no development would take place within the ancient woodlands.

General Debate – The Chair confirmed a site visit had taken place on Wednesday 13 June to assess the visual impact of the development and also to look at the suitability of the highway network.

Local Member, Councillor Joe Welch – initially thanked the Principal Planning Officer for his work in compiling the 45 conditions attached to the application.

During discussion the following points were raised:

·       It was confirmed that negotiations had taken place during the assessment process to ensure planting of trees to screen the lodges to enhance the area.

·       The development would be non-residential and therefore, it was necessary to ensure people did not reside in the lodges.  Condition No. 19 within the report dealt with the use of the lodges for holiday purposes only.

·       Financial viability – the applicant’s original viability information had been reviewed by the Council’s Commercial Development Manager.  The hotel development  would be partly dependent on a level of cross subsidy from the profitable parts of the scheme and that the now 89 lodge proposal providing a rate of return to the developer and shareholders that reflected the risk of the scheme whilst funding the delivery of the hotel and meeting the estimated costs. 

·       Dwr Cymru were satisfied the drainage system on the site was adequate and a condition could be included that the applicant provided Dwr Cymru with details of surface water drainage which would be in place.

·       It was confirmed by the Senior Highways Engineer, that passing places would be installed on the highway and the junction would be widened.  Within the additional notes contained in the blue sheet provided at the meeting, Condition 21 in relation to Highway works would be re-evaluated and more details added.

Proposal – Councillor Peter Evans proposed the application together with the amendment to Condition 21 as stated by the Senior Highways Engineer, seconded by Councillor Brian Jones.

VOTE:

GRANT – 15

ABSTAIN – 0

REFUSE – 2

RESOLVED that the application be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendation as stipulated in the report.

At this juncture, the Vice-Chair, Councillor Alan James extended his thanks to the Principal Planning Officer, the Senior Highways Engineer and the officers within their Departments for all the work involved with the application.