RHOS-ON-SEA residents are hoping to see changes made to a road plan that aims to reinvigorate the Colwyn Bay area.

Currently, Conwy County Borough Council are planning the Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project Phase 2b, which aims to improve coastal defences by importing one million tonnes of sand to place in front of the existing sea wall, protecting said wall and the properties and infrastructure behind it.

Furthermore, the project aims to revitalise the promenade, including the renewal of surfaces, improving street lighting and improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Traffic flow and parking arrangements are also important factors in the project, with improved safety for pedestrians a key agenda of the renovation.

However, some residents believe this will disrupt life and cause a drastic increase in traffic.

Peter Sutton, whose home is adjacent to Cayley Promenade, said: “This will devastate the neighbourhood and life will never be the same.

In the report published by the Council on the impact of the works, statistics show a current total vehicle flow of 1,164 plus 38 HGV (lorries) on the Cayley Promenade, rising to 10,184 and 333 respectively, giving a 778 per cent increase in traffic.

“The adverse effects of the proposed alteration to the traffic flow will impact directly on the residents living on the Cayley Prom itself and also on the homes on the adjoining or adjacent roads.

“Also affected will be the many residents and visitors who currently love to sit and often picnic on the upper part of the Cayley Embankment to enjoy the view of the village and the sea, away from the bustle of West Prom.

“Exhaust and noise pollution, as well as road safety, will also be serious issues.

“The council’s concern is that the plan must be ready to proceed by March 2022 to qualify for the funding from the Welsh Government, so Conwy County Borough Councillors perhaps feel pressured into approving the scheme as it stands.

“It is therefore essential that the necessary fundamental changes are made to the design now before it is too late.”

A statement from Conwy County Borough Council’s Environment, Roads and Facilities Service read: “We have considered all the comments received during the consultation.

“We believe that the proposals provide the best overall benefits for the widest cross-section of the community, for now and for the future.

“The primary goal of the scheme is to upgrade the coastal defences in this area to make sure they are robust enough to protect the promenade, highway, infrastructure, homes and commercial properties from the ever-increasing threat of the sea and climate change.

“Importing approximately 1m tonnes of sand to sit in front of the existing seawall will provide this increased protection as well as creating an amenity for locals and visitors to enjoy year-round.

“At the same we are keen to maximise the wider benefits associated with improving the promenade space by creating a safe, inclusive and accessible promenade for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”

The Council submitted a planning application for the work on January 24, which will be subject to the usual planning process.