A NORTH WALES caravan park can operate all year despite concerns over flooding.
Conwy Council members voted to allow the plans for Morawel at Hart’s Caravan Park in Pensarn despite objections from Natural Resources Wales (NRW).
NRW warned flooding could increase by as much as four metres during the next 50 years because of rising sea levels caused by global warming, with Afon Clwyd swelling also an issue.
A planning decision was deferred in the new year while the committee awaited further reports from NRW.
At a meeting last week, Cllr Andrew Wood proposed councillors backed the plans, and Cllr Nigel Smith seconded the proposal.
Cllr Smith said: “I don’t think that NRW has realised, or taken into consideration, should I say, that these caravans are actually raised off the ground.
“So I’m more than happy to support approving this application. I think the additional risk is minimal.
“When Towyn didn’t have a sea wall and Towyn was inundated with flood water, this site was dry.
“For me we would be lacking, I think, as an authority not to approve this development.
“It just seems totally unfair that NRW again is sticking the knife in for development in the east of the county, and whilst I understand they have to follow the guidance that is in their TAN 15, it is only guidance, and it is not a law.”
Previous planning restrictions meant the caravan park on Marine Road had to operate under numerous licences, which made it more difficult for the council to monitor.
This meant 33 caravans were restricted, meaning they could operate only ten months a year, despite the rest of the park’s 78 caravans being allowed to operate all year.
Councillors approved permission, voting unanimously in favour of the application.
But planning officers advised councillors to reject the plans in line with the NRW, and consequently the matter will return to the committee next month so the decision can be reaffirmed.
