A controversial new multi-million pound sea front development for Llandudno "could spell the end of the Pier".

After learning the Welsh Government would not intervene in the planning application for the £18 million residential and commercial scheme Llandudno Pier owner Adam Williams said: "I don't know if we can sustain things for two or three years. Just the building could see the end of the Pier.

"I hope they think really hard about this because it really could be a massive hit for us over the next three years.

"We can't even take on repairs at the moment, these are very stressful times.

"I am very disappointed. I hope we can come out the other side, if this does go ahead, and keep the Pier viable."

Lynette Esposito, who owns the Elm Tree Hotel behind the Pier Pavilion site will lose part of the promenade view if the plans go ahead.

She said: "The thought to develop is a good one, but not with this application.

"We need something that enhances the tourism of the town. Aesthetically it doesn't do anything for the Victorian look of the town."

Developer Alan Waldron welcomed the news the Welsh Government would not be calling in the application, adding: "The hard working starts now."

The 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.

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 national 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."

Social media has seen conflicting views from residents, with some welcoming something to the site after being left derelict for 23 years while others said it was a bad idea.

Stan Wilde, on the Pioneer's Facebook page, said: "Time to go elsewhere on holiday then. It will create 100 jobs and lose hundreds of regular visitors as a result. Silly idea.

John Jones said: "What Llandudno needs isn’t more flats but is an cinema/entertainment complex for locals and tourists alike. We have restaurants and we have flats."

While Darren Turner said: "Amazing news for the town, onwards & upwards. Creating more jobs & better facilities for visitors, and the building that is there now looks truly awful."

Aberconwy Asembly Member Janet Finch-Saunders said she had heard arguments for and against the site but was hoping whatever was decided was in the best interests of the the town.

She added: “I was quite surprised by the response of the Cabinet Secretary, as the Welsh Ministers do have the power to call applications in for decision.

“This has been an empty site and an eyesore for 24 years, and whatever is developed here will not please everybody.

“However it is fundamental to the town of Llandudno that the final development must contribute towards the economic benefit of the town and our tourism industry, and it is now up to the planning authority to ultimately make that decision.”

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.