Bear won’t let his slipway slip away ADVENTURER TWEAKS DESIGN FOR LONG-PLANNED ISLAND FEATURE
ATV adventurer is set to start work on a 129 metre slipway at his North Wales island retreat – if given the green light by planners.
Bear Grylls first secured the backing of Gwynedd Council planning officials for the development at Ynys Tudwal Fawr (St Tudwal’s Island West) back in 2015 – despite some local opposition.
But planners, with just 15 months of the original five-year permission period still remaining, have now received a slight amendment to the original plans which will need to be approved before work can start.
The island, near the Llŷn coast, lies within an area of outstanding natural beauty and a landscape of outstanding historical interest.
The documents, submitted by agents on behalf of the Chief Scout and former SAS serviceman, state minor changes to the original plan are now required which include raising the height of the landing stage.
“Following further research and construction design matters, to include appropriate sensitivity factors, limited amended quay works are necessary,” notes the
application form. The works include a small area of rock excavation and raising the height of the approved landing stage by approximately one metre.”
It goes on to confirm work is expected to take place in 2020, but a condition of the permission already in place states that no work may take place during the seal pupping season of August 15 to November 30.
TV explorer Mr Grylls, 45, bought the island for £95,000 in 2001.
But in 2013, he had to remove a slide that ran into the sea after facing a planning investigation over its erection.
The proposed slipway would be on 12 steel columns, 10 of which would stand on rock below and two on the existing landing stage or adjacent rock.
Sections of the slipway would be underwater at certain times, depending on the tide, but would be capable of holding two rib-type boats.
As part of an attempt to blend in with the surrounding rocks, it has already been established that it would be painted in a grey colour.
It’s expected that Gwynedd Council will make a decision over the coming months.