Colwyn Bay and Rhos 'more crammed than Paris'

Mar 18 2010 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

Colwyn Bay flats

AN AREA of Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea has a higher density of people crammed into flats in one small area than the centre of Paris, says a concerned councillor.

Colwyn Bay councillor Chris Hughes said Conwy County Council had let down residents by allowing more and more apartments to be built on the seafront.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting, Cllr Hughes sparked the debate after more flats were granted planning permission on Penrhos Road.

The area between Marine Road and the Cayley embankment has already seen several hotels be converted to flat accommodation, including most recently St Enoch’s. Cllr Hughes warned the problem was getting out of control and said residents’ windows were facing brick walls because of overdevelopment.

“What we have in this area is a density higher than the centre of Paris – it is ridiculous! It does frustrate me and the residents when you see the huge density in the area causing significant problems,” he said.

Cllr Hughes says the figures reflecting the high density of the area’s population were contained in a regeneration consultation reported back to Conwy.

After the meeting Cllr Hughes called for a planning study into the area which he says he asked for six years ago: “There should be a planning brief put together to look at the area in its entirety, there needs to be some sort of assessment, that was ignored at that time and now it is resulting in problems for residents because buildings are being built to close together.”

Garages will now make way for flats despite residents in surrounding properties complaining about loss of light and warmth to homes.

Councillors granted permission for six apartments at land adjacent to Stafford House on Penrhos Road in Colwyn Bay.

Despite a resident petition against the plans, council officers changed their minds before the meeting after initially advising councillors to vote against the development.

But a report submitted before the meeting by the applicant convinced officers only minimal sunlight would be lost.

Residents living on Penrhos Road, West Promenade and Upper Promenade compiled a petition against developer, Charles Lynch.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Tony Pritchard said the development would greatly effect the standard of living of many.

“This will steal light and privacy from a number of dwellings.”