Controversial plans for Llandudno’s Pier Pavilion look set to be given the green light.

The Welsh Government have decided not to call in the controversial plans to develop the site, clearing the way for developer Alan Waldron to realise their plans.

A letter by Welsh Government's head of planning decisions, Mrs T Davies, on behalf of the cabinet secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs revealed the Welsh Government’s decision not to intervene claiming most of the issues raised had either been addressed or were matters that were "local in nature" and could be resolved within the county.

Mrs Davies, in the letter, said: "The issues arising from the development have been assessed against natonal and local planning policies in an appropriate manner. They are not considered to have and wide effects and, while the application has raised a number of local objections, this can not be considered to be substantial controversy beyond the immediate locality.

"The proposal does not adversely impact on sites of scientific, nature conservation or historic interest, or area of landscape importance and it does not raise issues of national security or novel planning issues.

"I do not consider the issue as more than local importance and the application should not be called in for determination by the Welsh Ministers. It is now for your authority to determine the application."

Conwy County Borough Council planning committee granted conditional planning permission in March, subject to the Welsh Government removing the direction. So now it has been removed the plans must now pass a number of minor planning hurdles before being given the final go ahead.

The £18 million proposed plans would see the construction of 48 high-quality apartments, two restaurants and an underground car park and is expected to create more than 100 jobs.

Three floors of parking will be available to neighbouring businesses and hotels, complemented by more than 20,000 square feet of restaurant and public space, including a large atrium and walkway from the pier through to Happy Valley Road.

See next week's edition of the Pioneer for more details and reaction on the decision.