PLANNING permission for a controversial Llandudno development has been deferred by councillors.

The decision was halted to allow developer Alan Waldron time to consult with Design Commission for Wales on the plans.

Plans for the site have been in the pipeline for a number of years and looks set to enter 2018 with the latest delay to a final decision.

Mr Waldron said: “Hopefully we will get the green light so we can breathe new life into this part of the town.

“We now want to move forward - if approval is granted – and build something the people of Llandudno can be proud of.”

The new plans have drawn plenty of controversy amongst Llandudno residents and businesses alike.

Owner of the Llandudno Pier, Adam Williams, said he hasn’t been consulted by Mr Waldron at all during the planning process and the plans are set “damage the pier both commercially and structurally”.

Mr Williams said the Pier has already been affected by the Pavilion site and it hasn’t even been built yet.

At least £150,000 of urgent repairs have had to be put on hold while they wait for a final decision to be made on the Pavilion.

The plans have also drawn criticism from further afield with Mostyn Estates managing director Edward Hiller describing the plans as an abomination.

Mr Hiller said: “In our opinion it is a low grade design that falls so far below what is expected in Llandudno, as to be an insult to the original architects of the town.

“It would be a crass scar on the landscape, that clearly can only benefit the applicant alone.

“I hope the planning committee have the good sense to overturn officer recommendation and commit this abomination to history at their meeting on Wednesday.”

Councillors during the meeting even condemned the new plans with cllr Louise Emery, cabinet member for economic development, saying it was not what the town needed right now.

She said: “We are the fourth best destination in the UK according to Trip Adviser, we are the jewel in the crown of North Wales tourism.

“We are stood by the most strategic site for a leisure amenity, tourism and entertainment building. Call it what you like this is not the place for a block of flats.

Mr Waldron said: “We have reached out to everyone involved and worked closely with those who engaged.”