Green light for affordable homes plan despite flood-risk warning

Richard Evans, Local Democracy Reporter

A new affordable housing estate planned on a former multi-use games area has been approved by a planning committee, despite flood concerns.

Grwp Cynefin and First Choice Housing Association applied for permission to build 29 homes on land near the Ty Hapus Community Resource Centre, off Ffordd Penrhyn, Llandudno, with new vehicular access from Cwm Road.

The scheme includes apartments, terraces, and semi-detached homes, with 36 off-street parking spaces.

But acting on advice from Natural Resources Wales, Conwy County Council planning officers had recommended refusal, due to the area’s flood risk.

The committee met at Conwy’s Coed Pella HQ yesterday (Wednesday 12 November).

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, though, proposed going against officers’ recommendation, arguing he believed the developer had put sufficient mitigation measures in place to manage the flood risk.

Llandudno councillor Mandy Hawkins seconded his proposal.

She said: “We know there is a desperate need for housing, especially in Llandudno.”

She then read out a list of flood mitigation plans from the developer, including robust construction materials, smart airbricks, floor guards, solid flooring, and plastic and metal fixtures and fittings at ground-floor level, as well as raised floor levels.

She added: “Given the need we have for housing – we are dealing with so many homelessness issues and adult children moving back home because they can’t afford private rents or to get on the housing ladder – I fully support Cllr Goronwy’s (Edwards’) proposal.”

But Cllr David Carr disagreed, arguing councillors should follow officers’ advice.

Planning officers then warned approving the plans could set a precedent.

But Cllr Nigel Smith supported the application, arguing that the new homes would offer better flood protection than existing properties in the area.

Councillors voted 13 in favour with one abstention of approving the plans, citing the urgent need for housing, the flood mitigation measures, and the inclusion of a Section 106 agreement as key factors.