30-chalet scheme refused on appeal

THE planning inspectorate has backed Anglesey council after officers refused plans for 30 countryside holiday chalets.

Turned down by council planners last year, the proposals also involved a reception building and creating a new lake on land just off the A55 at Penmynydd Farm, Caergeiliog.

According to Anglesey Council’s Planning Department, the proposal entailed a “major development located in an unsustainable location in the countryside” they did not consider to be a “high quality development” and “would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area.”

As well as 30 chalets and a reception building including a laundry area, the plans by Neil Oldham also involved a fishing lake, parking facilities and a play and picnic area.

But appealing against the decision, the applicants felt that it would create an “attractive” and “economically beneficial” development.

Noting that it would create between four and five full-time jobs, it would also boost the local economy through other roles such as cleaning, site and building maintenance, and other such contracted work.

But while Welsh Government appointed planning inspector, Siân Worden, agreed with aspects of the applicants’ argument, she upheld Anglesey Council’s decision to refuse.

Her report noted: “All in all, the proposed development would be of a high quality in terms of design, layout and appearance... in an unobtrusive location.”

But noting the site’s distance from local services, based 1.6km from RAF Valley and 2.3km from Caergeiliog, she added: “It is not practicable for most people to walk to and from hot food takeaways at such distances and there does not appear to be a convenience store where daily supplies could be purchased.

“I consider it unlikely that many visitors would be prepared to undertake the, at least 30 minute, round trip on foot to the services available in the neighbouring villages.”