In a significant development for Anglesey’s tourism sector, the county’s planning committee has approved a substantial holiday park project near Menai Bridge. The plan, submitted by Rupert and Bonnie Cunliffe through their agent Elfed Williams of Erw Consulting Chartered Surveyors, will transform agricultural land at Wern Farm on Pentraeth Road into a holiday park featuring 55 static caravans and chalets according to an article by MyLocal Lincolnshire.
The decision on July 29 marked a reversal from the committee’s initial stance. Previously, concerns over highway safety and sustainability had led to a rejection of the proposal on June 5, going against planning officers’ recommendations. However, a reassessment prompted a change in the committee’s position.
The approved plan includes several key features beyond the caravan and chalet units. An existing outbuilding will be converted into a laundry, reception, and site office. The development will also see the construction of new on-site roads, a package treatment building, and a car park.
Central to the approval process was a thorough evaluation of traffic safety concerns. Given the high speeds often observed on the A5025, highways officers conducted a detailed inspection of the site entrance, confirming that visibility splays met the required 215-meter criteria in both directions. Planning officer Rhys Jones reported that the visibility was “sufficient in both directions.”
The anticipated traffic generated by the holiday park was a key consideration. Jones stated that highways officers were satisfied with the vehicle usage, parking arrangements, and expected traffic impact.
“Highways is satisfied with the number of vehicles using the access and the parking arrangements,” Mr. Jones said. It was “not considered material in this case” and the application was termed “acceptable in terms of highways.” Highway concerns were not a “valid or reasonable reason for refusal”, it was found.
Environmental considerations were also at the forefront of the planning process. The application included what was described as “one of the best planting strategies” seen by the Natural Resources Authority (NRA), aiming to mitigate visual impact and enhance biodiversity.
Despite the approval, some committee members continued to voice concerns about road safety. Councillor Alun Roberts, representing three local members, highlighted ongoing worries, pointing out, “There’s been a lot of talk about the access, the big question is, is it safe?” Roberts elaborated on the high speeds at which vehicles travel on the road and the limited visibility when approaching the site entrance from certain directions.
Councillor Robin Williams echoed these concerns, expressing skepticism about the projected traffic figures. He argued that the access was not safe and that the provided car movement figures were optimistic. Williams also raised issues about pedestrian safety along Cichle Hill, maintaining his opposition to the project.
The debate among councillors reflected broader discussions about balancing tourism development and environmental preservation on Anglesey. Councillor Robert Llewelyn Jones voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of caravan parks on the island, calling for professional advice on the environmental disadvantages of such applications.
In response, planning officers emphasized the professional nature of their assessment. Councillor Ken Taylor defended the planning team, while Mr. Jones highlighted the environmental considerations, noting the thorough assessment of the planting strategy by the NRA.
Accessibility was another factor considered in the approval process. The site’s proximity to public transport links was highlighted, with the nearest bus stop located just 0.51 kilometers away. This connection provides easy access to the transport hub in Menai Bridge and onward connections to Bangor and other destinations.
As the project progresses, it will likely serve as a benchmark for future developments balancing economic benefits with environmental and community considerations on Anglesey.