PLAN for 15 apartments in Old Colwyn were granted permission, despite concerns about lorries and cranes blocking residents’ access on a busy road. 

Mr A. Snook submitted a planning application to Conwy County Council to demolish 228 Abergele Road and build 15 new homes for those over 55.  

But plans to tear down the Victorian property and build the social housing development near a private driveway off Abergele Road were put on hold at August’s planning meeting. 

Conwy councillors claimed a traffic survey carried out on Abergele Road during the quieter COVID lockdown might not be an accurate reflection of how busy the road is. 

Consequently, the developer was ordered to carry out a second traffic survey, and the application was re-debated at October’s committee meeting at Bodlondeb.

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A statement from Cllr Gail Jones, the Eirias ward member, was read out at the meeting in opposition to the plans, which had planning officers’ backing.

“This application is coming back to you as a traffic survey was requested by the committee,” she said.

“I’m very disappointed to learn that the speed survey was carried out on one day by a hand-held radar by the side of the road.

“This would naturally cause drivers to reduce their speed. I believe that this results in the survey being flawed.

“The survey would probably have shown different results if it had been carried out by wires on the road over a longer period.” 

She added: “My residents are very concerned about how 24-hour access will be maintained, which is their right in the deeds of their properties.

“Yes, conditions can be put in place to show how access can be maintained, but we all know in reality, once construction starts and there are lorries, cranes, etc. needing access, it will result in the land being blocked and more than likely vehicles having to wait on Abergele Road on double yellow lines. This is a busy road with pedestrians passing by the entrance to the lane, especially schoolchildren.

“I’m not against affordable housing. We all know it’s needed in Conwy, but it feels like the residents’ rights and concerns are being ignored in this application.” 

She also claimed there were issues with the gradient of the lane, claiming a report commissioned by residents was disregarded by council officers.

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Resident Mr Robin Gulliver agreed and also spoke. 

Mr Gulliver summarised: “Residents have a legal right of unimpeded access. The safety risk to pedestrians using the land would increase. The issue is planning’s responsibility, and the application should be refused.” 

He also claimed the initial traffic survey had been ‘tailored’ and raised questions over the ambiguity of land ownership concerning the private lane serving 228 Abergele Road.  

But speaking on behalf of the developer, agent Jamie Bradshaw defended the plans.

“The speed survey work has been repeated by a reputable, recognised company and confirmed speeds on the road are directly comparable to those in the original survey, and therefore the proposed visibility displays of the approved entrance entirely meet the national standards,” he said.

“This has been accepted by highways officers who are entirely satisfied on this point.” 

Mr Bradshaw said there wasn’t an issue affecting the gradient of the land and claimed a separate land-ownership dispute involving the private lane was an error being corrected by the land registry.  

He also said the area being busier wouldn’t affect the safety of residents suffering from dementia living at a nearby nursing home as they would always be accompanied.  

Mr Bradshaw added: “All in all, the proposal before you has been supported by your highways and planning officers after detailed consideration. There is no sound basis for departing from the professional and considered advice.” 

The social housing development plans consist of a split-level building, which appears as two storeys from the front (north) and single storey from the rear (south). 

The building will consist of 13 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. 

Cllr Chris Cater said Conwy’s need for affordable housing meant the application should be approved and proposed councillors supported the development.  

“This housing crisis is serious, and we’ve got a development here for 100% affordable housing,” he said. 

Cllr Nigel Smith seconded Cllr Cater’s proposal but said he would be speaking to planning officers due to the lack of a lift in the plans.  

Cllr Mandy Hawkins agreed with Cllr Smith about the need for housing and the absence of a lift. 

But Old Colwyn councillor David Carr, though, appeared unhappy with councillors backing the scheme, adding that the nearby ‘Marine roundabout’ was a nightmare and the road was already congested. 

“If other members had it (the development) in their ward, they might have a different view,” he said. 

The application was granted subject to conditions being met – with 10 councillors voting in favour, one against, and one abstaining.