FORMER council buildings in Rhos on Sea could be demolished to make way for a housing estate – amid neighbours’ highway concerns and fears of new homes overlooking existing properties.
St Asaph-based Cartrefi Conwy has applied to Conwy County Council’s planning department, seeking permission to demolish former office buildings and ancillary structures on Dinerth Road.
The Welsh Government buildings were used by Conwy County Council until staff vacated them in 2018 when the authority moved to its Coed Pella offices in Colwyn Bay.
The housing association is seeking to build 48 homes, footpaths, access roads, car parking, drainage, and open space.
A planning statement submitted by Cartrefi Conwy stated: “It is considered that the proposal represents sustainable development that makes a positive contribution to the local area, providing the opportunity to transform an under-utilised site into an estate that would make a significant contribution towards the housing needs of the area, with the provision of 48 affordable units.”
But an anonymous neighbour wrote to the council, raising concerns on behalf of residents living on Dulas Close about the new properties potentially “overlooking” existing bungalows.
Another anonymous neighbour raised concerns about construction noise and said the layout needed improving.
“The current layout of the access from Tan y Bryn Road is poorly laid out and too narrow,” they said.
“The pinch point is at the Princess Avenue/Stuart Drive junction. This junction is too narrow and poorly laid out. If vehicles approach too quickly when proceeding from Tan y Bryn Road into Princess Avenue, they often end up on the off side of Princess Avenue. I witnessed this happen three times this morning. This is due to the odd nearside curb line and the adverse camber.
“The whole situation is made worse by parking all around the junction. I recommend that the layout is improved by some modest widening and alteration of the curb lines.”
They added: “Finally Princess Avenue has insufficient foundation to support heavy vehicles. In wet weather water gets through cracks in the road surface. This then mixes with the soil underneath. As vehicles pass over, water and soil are pumped up from below the macadam. This is evident from muddy stains on the macadam. The foundation needs strengthening.”
Another resident raised concerns about the removal of asbestos, the height of any fencing installed, and asked questions about underground tunnels.
They said: “Does the existing site have underground works? If so, do they extend under existing residences? Will they be removed or filled in?”
Colwyn Bay Town Council raised no objections.
The plans will likely be discussed at a future planning committee meeting at Conwy County Council’s Coed Pella HQ.
