A councillor has called plans to build 73 homes on a greenfield site”sheer greed” and said his constituents are “incensed” by the proposals.

Cllr Bob Squire, who represents Eirias ward on Conwy county council, was reacting to a pre-application consultation on plans to build the dwellings in two phases – on land adjacent to Bryn Rodyn, Dolwen Road, Old Colwyn.

Cadnant Planning Ltd has been commissioned by Maxi Developments NW Ltd to undertake the consultation, which runs until Friday, December 18.

The proposal is to get detailed planning for 54 two, three and four-bed homes in the first phase, with outline planning for 19 more to be built in the second phase.

The first tranche of housing would include 11 affordable homes according to the documents and the development would include 0.92 hectares of open space and new road access onto the site.

The proposed application comes after a controversial decision to allow Macbryde Homes to build 22 houses off Dolwen Road in April this year.

There was fierce opposition to that scheme but planning officers advised councillors that refusal could leave the authority open to legal challenge by the developers.

There are also two major developments nearby,  at Dolgau and Bryn y Mor,  which will bring more than 140 new homes to the locality.

Cllr Squire wrote back to Cadnant and didn’t pull his punches about his feelings for the scheme, which would be built on a greenfield site, outside of the local development plan area.

He said: “This part of Old Colwyn has been the subject of years of development despite massive opposition from the people of Old Colwyn who have heartily had enough, especially as the current developers were even advertising their homes in England.

“The latest batch of 22 houses are being built outside the settlement boundary.  This has infuriated residents of Old Colwyn even more and to such an extent there is a strong groundswell of opinion that resources should be mobilised to fight any further attempt to develop any further in this area.

“Where you are currently considering is virgin greenfield land in open countryside outside the settlement boundary and not in the LDP.

“The reason for your proposal is I believe born of sheer greed and not for any sensible planning reasons or practical considerations.”

Cllr Squire raised issues with over-subscribed local schools, an already full doctor’s surgery, historic road issues which he said are a danger to local children, and problems with surface water and sewerage provision.

He added: “As I commented earlier, your proposal will only engage the wrath of the people of Old Colwyn as any further development could sound the death knell of the village and destroy what little quality of life we have left.

“Equally I cannot answer for what measures may be taken by the residents to protect what is left of their environment and protest in the strongest manner possible.”

It emerged within the design and access statement the original plans were for 120 homes but the scheme was scaled down following discussions with Conwy county council’s planning department.

Post consultation it will be for the company to assess the response before deciding when and if to pursue a planning application.

To view the plans and comment, go to: https://www.cadnantplanning.co.uk/bryn-rodyn