FRICTION between the Welsh Assembly Government and Conwy Council surrounding the controversial Local Development Plan has seen democracy 'turned on its head' according to a Rhos on Sea councillor.
Conwy County Borough Councillor for Llandrillo yn Rhos, Roger Elwyn Parry, has spoken out against the Welsh Assembly Government regarding their reaction to a vote over a suitable number of new homes to build under the LDP.
He said: "As one of your caring County Councillors I believed - as no doubt did everyone living in Conwy that we were elected to make major decisions on your behalf and in the public interest. I regret this is no longer true.
"Regional democracy has been turned on its head by our Big Brother counterparts in the Welsh Assembly Government who - if not approving of what we think is best - simply over rule it."
According to Cllr Parry, a full council convened to decide on a suitable option for the area. 'Option Three' involved the construction of 9,000 new dwellings while 'Option Two' proposed 6,300.
He said: "After much strenuous and considered debate, your Councillors, at full council, voted by a majority for Option Two as being least detrimental to an area lacking in prime employment and almost totally dependent on tourism, holiday and retirement income. However having made a democratic decision we are now told it’s not the right one and to think again - or else face the possibility of a financial fine imposed by WAG.
"All of which begs the question - who’s in charge, who knows best and who’s running the show anyway? In this case it’s certainly not the Councillors you pay and voted for. As one of them I should know - and I believe you all should too."
The Welsh Assembly Government were unable to comment.