Controversial plans to build flats at Llandudno's pier pavilion site have been delayed again after a last minute intervention by the Welsh Government.

The £18 million development which would see 48 apartments, two restaurants and an underground car park built on the site was back in front of council's planning committee last week having been deferred in December to allow developer, Alan Waldron, time to make changes to the design.

Officers had recommended permission for the scheme be granted at last Wednesday's meeting of the planning committee. But committee chairwoman, Sue Lloyd-Williams, told members a letter had been received by the council calling in any decision to grant.

She said: "I must convey how disappointed I was with regards to the Welsh Government's intervention. The letter arrived with us via email last night. And it feels to me that the local democracy voice is being taken away from us."

The intervention of the government, was at the request of an unknown objector meaning that ministers would have to consider whether they should be involved with the decision on the future of the site.

This meant that councillors could not grant permission but could reject the plans or allow for further consideration.

Cllr Williams added: "In all my time in over nine years I have never seen anything like this happen before."

Councillors were tied by five votes each on whether to approve or reject the plans with Cllr Lloyd-Williams providing the casting vote in favour of granting permission subject to the prior authority of Welsh Government ministers.