A proposed glamping development at the former Rhyl Rugby Club site is expected to be refused by Denbighshire County Council due to concerns about its impact on road safety, the surrounding environment, and compliance with planning policies.
The project, submitted by Cynwyd Enterprises, seeks to convert the site on Waen Road in Rhuddlan into a glamping destination featuring nine glamping pods, internal roads, and supporting infrastructure.
The council’s planning officers have recommended refusal, citing unresolved concerns from a previous, smaller-scale proposal that was rejected by a Welsh Minister, as reported by Insider Media.
According to the officers’ report, while the current version of the development addresses issues related to agricultural land loss, fundamental objections regarding the site’s location and sustainability remain.
The report states that these factors “bring the proposal into conflict with legislation and policies relating to the protection of European protected species.”
Objections to the project have been raised by local stakeholders, particularly regarding potential road safety risks due to increased traffic, as well as concerns about noise, light pollution, and its effect on biodiversity.
Critics also argue that the development could negatively impact nearby farming operations.
For businesses in the outdoor hospitality sector, this case highlights the ongoing challenges of securing planning approval for glamping developments, particularly in rural or environmentally sensitive areas.
As local authorities increasingly scrutinize tourism projects for sustainability and ecological impact, developers may need to provide stronger justifications and mitigation strategies to gain approval.
“It is noted that although the reduced scale of development has overcome the previous refusal reason based on loss of agricultural land, the objection to the site’s unsustainable location and lack of justification for its development still remain,” the council report stated.
This situation underscores the importance of aligning glamping projects with regional planning frameworks and addressing community concerns early in the process.
Operators looking to expand into similar locations may benefit from engaging with local stakeholders and demonstrating how their projects contribute to sustainable tourism while minimizing environmental disruption.