Officers defied in new Llangefni homes bid
ONE of Anglesey’s longest-serving county councillors has stepped down on health grounds.
Councillor Derlwyn Rees Hughes relinquished his role on Friday after receiving medical advice from his family doctor.
Cllr Hughes has represented the Lligwy multi-member ward since May 2013 and previously represented the Moelfre ward after being elected onto the former borough council in the early 1990s.
Cllr Hughes said: “I have not been in the best of health of late, and after recent advice from the family doctor I’ve decided to stand down.
“It has been a great privilege to represent the people of Moelfre and the new Lligwy ward, and I will look back at all my years in local government with an immense sense of pride.”
A passion for sport served Cllr Hughes well during earlier spells as leisure portfolio holder on Anglesey’s executive.
More recently he has served as chairman of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.
Paying tribute to Cllr Hughes, Anglesey chief executive Dr Gwynne Jones said: “Councillor Derlwyn Hughes has made an invaluable contribution to the council and people of Anglesey during his time as a councillor.
“The experience and knowledge he brought to the council chamber will be missed.
“However, I understand and respect his decision to stand down for health reasons and wish him all the best for the future.”
Council leader Cllr Ieuan Williams added: “I’ve worked closely with Derlwyn for a number of years, most recently as colleagues representing residents in the Lligwy multimember ward.
“I’ve always valued his support and wealth of experience in public office.
“I’m certain that my fellow councillors – whatever their politics – will agree that the council chamber will be a much poorer place without him.”
Cllr Hughes’ resignation will not lead to a by-election as the county council elections will be held in May.
In the interim period, Lligwy ward matters can be referred to Cllr Ieuan Williams and Cllr Vaughan Hughes. PLANS to build 10 new homes in Llangefni have been turned down by members of Anglesey’s planning committee - against the advice of officers.
Hughes Brothers Ltd had submitted an outline application for 10 new homes at Ty’n Coed, Llangefni.
The plans, which were recommended for approval by planning officers, would have seen an agricultural field turned into an extension of the existing Ty’n Coed estate. According to the developers, two of the homes would be designated as affordable.
But despite the recommendation to approve, 35 letters of objection had been sent to the authority, citing concerns over aspects of the plan. These included the narrow access and increase in vehicles, a loss of privacy, and a lack of information for present residents.
Llangefni Town Council also raised objections, with members feeling that as the development fell outside the joint local development plan ( JLDP), there was no need for it.
Planning and highways officers, however, said they had no objections, with local drainage also considered acceptable.
But during last Wednesday’s planning committee meeting in Llangefni, many members disagreed with the officers’ findings.
Local resident, Mr Steven Moore, said the plans would create a ‘rat race’ on the road from Llangefni to Talwrn and Benllech, and was also sceptical that there was enough space for an access road linking to the new properties.
Cllr Dylan Rees said: “This site is not contained in the joint local development plan, begging the question why this application is here before us today.
“The proposed properties are very close to existing homes, with also concerns over the potential for flooding, and I believe this would be unacceptable.
“There are also highway safety concerns, with traffic having to give way, similar to the current arrangements near the Railway Bridge.”
Cllr Jeff Evans proposed that the plans be turned down, seconded by Cllr Lewis Davies, due to the levels of local objection, its location outside the JLDP and highways and flooding concerns.
The proposals were turned down by six votes to nil, with one abstention. But as members voted against the recommendation of officers, the item will be discussed once again during February’s planning meeting.