DEVELOPERS ASK FOR MORE TIME TO START WORK ON £100M MARINA SCHEME:
PROJECT FACING DEADLINE
DEVELOPERS are seeking permission for more time to start work on a £100m marina development, which has been beset by delays.
In 2014 Conygar StenaLine Ltd was granted outline planning permission for its Holyhead Waterfront Regeneration Scheme, two years after being given the go-ahead by councillors, despite some local opposition.
The plans, including over 300 new homes, a hotel, commercial buildings and a maritime museum was given the go-ahead by planners despite a 4,000 signatory petition opposing the loss of public amenities and its visual impact.
But with the original planning approval set to run out in February 2021 and detailed plans yet to be presented, an application has now been submitted to Anglesey Council to extend the timescale before work can start.
The company has confirmed that the finance is in place but blames the delays on efforts by opponents to register part of the development area as a village green, in an effort to scupper development.
But in 2017, Anglesey Council rejected such moves after a public inquiry found that Newry Green’s use for recreational activity was not enough to grant such status.
“To-date, no reserved matters applications have been submitted pursuant to the above- referenced permission,” notes the supporting documents put forward by Conygar Stena.
“The (public inquiry) process took circa three years to complete and thus presented a significant barrier to progress on the reserved matters applications.
“As such, whilst Condition 4 confirms that the development must be begun before 14th February 2021, the period of time within which reserved matters should have been submitted as set out in Condition 3 (i.e. by 14th February 2019) has lapsed.”
As a result, developers are asking for another five years to start work, adding: “The development is expected to contribute to the regeneration of Holyhead, providing significant employment opportunities, residential and leisure facilities and to act as a catalyst to further investment and initiatives in the local area.
“It is anticipated that the scheme would take approximately 7 to 8 years to be completed in its entirety. However, this is likely to occur on a phased basis, influenced by prevailing commercial conditions.”
Backers say that the development would create 700 jobs, including a new marina, surrounded by a new breakwater, extending into Holyhead Harbour.