Controversial apartments development gets go-ahead despite 'unaffordable' fear

North Wales Live

4 days ago

A controversial multi-million pound apartment development in Deganwy has been approved by Conwy Council's planning committee - despite objections from residents and concerns raised by several councillors. Planning officers had recommended approval for the plans, which will see a new 19-flat apartment building constructed on the corner of Station Road, York Road, and Back York Road.
The application, submitted by Simon Garantini, involves demolishing the existing buildings at 1–3 Station Road to make way for the new development. The proposed building will measure 15.80 metres in height, 38.81 metres in width, and 27.08 metres in depth.
The site is currently occupied by Robertson Geologging Ltd and is located opposite the Grade-II listed former Deganwy Castle Hotel in a predominantly residential area with some nearby commercial properties. Conwy 's planning department received 15 objections from members of the public, with concerns raised over the height of the proposed building, its impact on the character of the area, and a perceived lack of parking. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox.
Conwy's planning committee met this week at the council's Coed Pella HQ to debate the application. Several councillors objected to the development, arguing the applicant needed to provide affordable housing or make a financial contribution to the community.
Cllr David Carr suggested the flats would be unaffordable to most locals, would not help the council's housing problem, and would likely end up as holiday homes. But planning officers advised the committee affordable housing was "unviable" at the site due to market value and explained that consequently a 106 agreement in the form of community contributions was not viable either in an area that was repeatedly described at the meeting as 'affluent'.
Cllr Anthony Bertola spoke in favour of the application. "I'm looking at the positive side of this, because Deganwy is an affluent area,' he said.
'There are lots of businesses there that could do with the footfall. It'll be good for tourism. It'll be good for homes. I know we are looking at the Welsh language and affordable housing - I get that - but I think there is an opportunity here, because it is a bit of an eyesore, the area as it is, anyway, so anything that is going to be upgraded, I'm all for it, and I know Deganwy is a nice area anyway.'
He added: 'I'm looking at the positive side of it, but I understand people's feelings about contributions and the Welsh language, but I can't really see how that's going to affect the fact we're getting something that is quite attractively designed architecturally and is in keeping with the area.'
Cllr Bertola proposed councillors voted in favour of the proposal, and this was seconded by Cllr Kay Redhead. Nine councillors voted in favour of the planning application with two against and two abstentions.