Golf club drives into major redevelopment

Aug 14 2008 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A GOLF CLUB is to be extended to provide a swimming pool, health club and spa facilities, creating up to eight new jobs after councillors gave the scheme the go-ahead.

The proposal will extend the existing Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club premises which will also gain five additional bedrooms, furnished to a four star standard.

There will be a new multi-function room, bar and beauty parlour. The extension will be located between the rear of the clubhouse and Glan y Môr Road.

The application by Robin Jones, owner of the golf club, proved to be controversial as the existing site is in a flood zone. Both the Environment Agency and Conwy environmental services objected for this reason.

But there was massive public support for the proposal with the council receiving only four letters of objection, and 279 letters of support including Assembly members Darren Millar and Gareth Jones.

At the July meeting of Conwy County Council’s planning committee members decided to go against the recommendation to turn it down and approved the scheme because they believed its economic benefits outweighed the flood risk.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Dr Ben Thomas told the committee: “This project will benefit the local community and we’ve had massive local support as there is a need for such facilities. It will also increase junior membership which can only be a good thing.”

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, who has Conwy’s economic development and leisure portfolio, spoke in favour. He said: “Having visited the site there is great tourism potential. It will become an excellent attraction.”

Colwyn councillor Brian Cossey was also in favour: “We should grant this because of the economic benefits and it will regenerate the area,” he said.

Because councillors had voted against the officers’ recommendation the committee were asked yesterday (Wednesday) to confirm their decision.