Fury at college proposal for hotel and 150 homes
PLANS to build a new restaurant, hotel and more than 150 new homes as part of a radically expanded college campus, have been slammed by angry locals.
Grwp Llandrillo Menai has submitted an outline planning bid for a new £10m engineering centre and associated developments on the outskirts of Llangefni on Anglesey.
As well as gearing up a new generation of nuclear workers for the proposed Wylfa Newydd plant, the hotel and restaurant unit would be used to train catering staff for businesses across Anglesey.
But according to residents living just yards away from the proposed development site, the plans would cause great problems in the area.
David Wright said: “There’s been very little publicity surrounding Coleg Menai’s plans, and not many people even know about it.
“We’re not against the building of the engineering centre to provide training for young people, although Wylfa Newydd is far from a certainty yet.
“But the main concern is using swathes of land to build houses and a hotel, leaving little room for further expansion of t the college.
“Apart from the construction phase, it’s hard to see how many new jobs will be created. And although there is a demand for more housing, it would also create m more strain on local amenities.
“The primary schools are already full and healthcare facilities are struggling to cope as it is.”
Mr Wright also raised concerns on the potential impact on wildlife, with the destruction of hedgerows reducing the habitat of bats, feeding birds and red squirrels.
Construction of a new link road, connecting the college campus with the A55, is already underway.
But according to Dr Ian J Rees of Grwp Llandrillo Menai, the proposed developments at the site will bring a range of benefits to Llangefni.
“Giving young people the skills they need for good employment, along the availability of affordable housing locally, is an excellent recipe for a more vibrant economy and sustainable local communities,” he said.
The 60-room, two-storey hotel would be build adjacent to the restaurant, with a car park capable of holding 170 cars.
Both would be open for the general public as well as those visiting the campus.
While the college proposes that half of the homes will be designated as affordable or for rent, the plans also include provision of public open space including a woodland area, children’s play area and additional parking for the nearby Ysgol y Graig primary school.
The outline plans have been submitted to Anglesey Council and will be discussed in the new year.