Controversial Glan Conwy housing development shelved

Oct 30 2008 By Samantha Castle

CAMPAIGNERS were jumping for joy this week when it was confirmed that Macbryde Homes have withdrawn their controversial housing development plan for Glan Conwy.

The leading home builder was in the process of applying to Conwy planners for permission to build 166 houses on Cae Felin (gala field) off Tan Lan Road, but have now announced they are withdrawing the application.

Dan Worsley, a spokesman for the Glan Conwy Preservation Society, said: "Whichever way you look at it it’s a victory for the people of Glan Conwy.

"We are really pleased with the announcement, as are all the people in the village. We were trying to protect the land, we want it to stay how it is because of its nature.

"I don’t know why Macbryde Homes withdrew the application but I believe the current economic climate might have something to do with their decision. There’s also the fact we opposed the build and they would have had to pay to appeal if Conwy refused their application. They were going against public opinion," he added.

"The land is not safe yet, but I hope the council will recognise its value to local people now and protect it."

The Preservation Society will not be putting out the bunting just yet though as they are still fighting another housing development in Glan Conwy by Gladedale Homes, who are waiting to hear if their application to build 47 two- to five-bedroom properties at Gydar Field off Tan Llan Road is successful.

Macbryde’s announcement comes in the same week as construction giant David McLean went into administration, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. One of the region’s biggest construction firms, the Deeside-based house builder has a turnover of £160m and 320 employees. The group said it had been hit by the slump in the housing market.

Simon Macbryde of Macbryde Homes declined to comment on his reasons for the withdrawal in Glan Conwy.