PLANS for Wales’ first dog sled riding activity centre have come to an abrupt halt.

The proposal, to establish a sled riding activity centre at Hafod Dafydd y Mynydd, Llansannan, near Denbigh, was due to be discussed by Conwy County Borough Council’s ‘special’ planning committee on Friday, November 20 but when members came to discuss the item, they were informed it had been withdrawn by applicant Jolene Swiffen.

Ms Swiffen had hoped thrillseekers would come to the activity centre from across the UK for a taste of Arctic adventure.

Sleds would be pulled by trained dogs on land within the applicant’s ownership.

A number of objections had been put forward in response to the plans.

Voicing her fears, one neighbour wrote: “Unacceptable noise and light pollution, wholly unsuitable and dangerous road access, unacceptable increase in traffic, lost of privacy and solitude and loss of value on property.”

Another neighbour termed the plans as an ‘ideal tourism attraction for Wales’ but objected to the plans being operated in ‘rural residential areas’.

Other neighbours echoed similar worries such as noise level - ‘howling’, being out of character with the area, traffic management and access.

The RSPB also put forward concerns.

“We are concerned over the potential indirect impacts to breeding birds through noise disturbance,” they wrote.

“The development has the potential to cause adverse impact to upland birds of Mynydd Hiraethog site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

“Potential adverse impacts to population of birds of acknowledged conservation importance.”

The British Horse Society also feared that their animals could be ‘spooked’ by dogs either loose in the confines of the site, barking or rapidly moving.

A Planning Supporting Statement into the plans said: "The proposal is a full application to establish a sled riding activity centre. The sleds will be pulled by trained dogs and these will be pulled on land belonging to the applicant.

"No sleds will be pulled along adopted (or unadopted) highways and all runs will be in safe environments.

"Due to the strenuous nature of the pulling only two rides can take place a day. This will take place five days a week only because the dogs require 'down time' and rest."

There would be activity two days, then a day off, and then two days on etc.

Ms Swiffen is the owner of Mynydd Sleddog Adventures near Cerrigydrudion, Conwy.

Xinaskyii Sled Dog Team currently consists of 16 dogs; 11 Siberian Huskies, two Scandinavian Hounds, two Alaskan Huskies and a German Short Haired Pointer. ​