AN APPLICATION for retrospective planning permission for timber lodges in the Conwy Valley is tipped for refusal.
Peter Davidson has applied to Conwy County Council’s planning department, seeking permission for a change of use of land for the siting of 15 timber holiday lodges.
The application for Tyn Terfyn Caravan Site, Llanrwst Road, Tal y Bont, is located approximately 400m to the north of the B5106.
The application is considered part retrospective, following the completion of three lodges and the commencement of work to build five lodges in the eastern part of the site. But council officers have advised the committee refuse planning permission.
The application was deferred at the May 2024 planning committee meeting to enable further consideration of the lawful planning status of the site.
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales then determined that the holiday lodges fall within the class of short-term lets considered to be ‘dwelling houses’ and consequently the proposal is being treated as a major development.
The report states: “The proposal is considered as a new tourism development scheme, providing tourism accommodation all year-round. The site is located within the rural development strategy area as defined by the local development plan.”
It concludes that the policy “states that new high-quality holiday accommodation will only be supported where it forms an ancillary or complementary part of an existing or proposed new tourism development scheme” meeting specific criteria.
Several residents sent letters to Conwy objecting to the development before the May 2024 planning committee meeting, as well as the community council.
Kimberley Heginbotham wrote to Conwy objecting to the plans.
“The proximity of the holiday lodges to my property is unacceptable,” she said.
“I live in a single storey property and can easily see the holiday lodges that have already been built from my front windows. They are ugly and out of character and ruin my view across the Conwy Valley.”
She added: “I am concerned about the level of noise disturbance due to the close proximity of the holiday lodges.”
The planning application will be debated at a planning committee on Wednesday (12 February).
