New bid for beach car park charges
PLANS to install a pay and display machine at a popular beach have been resubmitted despite being turned down last year over highway safety fears.
The Bodorgan Estate, who own the beach car park at Cable Bay, near Aberffraw, say they want to bring in parking charges which would then be reinvested into the facilities on offer for visitors.
But fears that motorists would try and park on the highway to avoid paying the charges, saw council planners turn down the original plans last year against the advice of officers - despite a warning this would not be valid grounds for refusal.
Landowners, the Bodorgan estate, have now resubmitted the plans, having already received the backing of one county councillor.
Cllr Peter Rogers said: “I don’t understand why it was rejected in the first place.
“The estate has made it clear that the revenue will be used to improve the visitor experience, that can only be good for Ynys Môn.
“This is an idyllic spot, but needs a bit of investment and tidying up.
“It would also stop overnight stays which would also benefit other businesses on Anglesey as the camper vans etc would use somewhere else.”
But when the plans were discussed by Anglesey Council’s Planning Committee, the concerns of Llanfaelog Community Council were made clear.
Despite the development not falling within their jurisdiction, the councillors there were given the chance to present their views due to its potential impact on the A4080 that leads to the village.
Cllr Richard Dew said at the time: “The A4080 is a major, busy, road and is the main route to the popular Trac Môn racing track,” he said.
“Traffic increases significantly during the summer months, and I’m very concerned over the impact on road safety if this plan goes ahead.”
But Cllr Rogers went on to say: “If this car park is full, it isn’t the Bodorgan Estate’s fault.
“I’d far rather pay to park my car in safety here and improve this site here than risk parking my vehicle on the road, to be honest.”
Newly elected councillor, Bryan Owen, admitted he’d not yet had the chance to study the planning application in detail, acknowledging the Bodorgan Estate had a right to implement charges if they own the land.
However, he did add, “I would be disappointed if locals had to start paying to park in a beauty spot that’s been enjoyed for generations, to be honest.”
The Mail has attempted to contact the Bodorgan Estate for a comment.
But in their planning bid for the parking meter, which will also be solar powered, it states: “All income raised will go towards the ongoing maintenance of the car park.
“Local people will be offered significantly reduced rates.”