PLANS to build 1,700 homes in Bodelwyddan have sparked concern for the knock-on effect on neighbouring towns.
The plan, which will now before the Planning Inspectorate, would also see a school, shops and other amenities built in the village.
Bodelwyddan residents have voiced strong opposition to the plans while local AM’s Darren Millar and Ann Jones have urged caution over the knock-on effects to the surrounding community. Mr Millar said now Denbighshire County Council had approved the plan it was incredibly important that Conwy County Borough Council looked at the knock-on effect in nearby Abergele.
He said: “Many residents in Bodelwyddan use services such as schools and medical facilities in Abergele and this cannot be ignored by planning officers when they look at proposals for new housing in the Conwy Local Development Plan.
“It is clear that if the current proposals for a further 870 new homes in Abergele go ahead then this would be a disaster for our area. Local services will be completely over-stretched and a huge strain will be put on infrastructure such as already congested roads, the health facilities and local schools.
Ann Jones also called for the council to re-think the proposal, which was passed on a deciding vote from Denbighshire County Council Chairman Cllr Bill Cowie, after councilors were deadlocked at 20 votes for and against the development.
Ms Jones said: “I supported the residents in their opposition to the work. It’s a shame that the issue was decided by a single vote from the chairman, and I think it needs to be looked at again,” Ms Jones said.
“In the five to six miles around Ysbyty Glan Clwyd there are 90,000 residents. 1,700 homes could attract around 5,000 more people to the area - has the impact on the surrounding area been looked at?
Ms Jones also suggested that smaller developments spread out across the county would prove a better method of meeting targets to build 7,500 homes over the next 10 years.
“Building smaller developments in hamlets would help protect our village post offices and rural schools, which would have a positive impact on the Welsh language.”