CONTROVERSIAL plans for a new hotel development on the outskirts of Rhyl have been thrown into doubt.
The plan for a hotel and business complex opposite the Sainsbury’s store has met with a storm of protest and, in a surprising twist, Denbighshire County Council has revealed the land is not designated for tourism use and is not intended to be included in the council’s local development plan.
The authority has also said no formal planning application had been received for the complex, which could bring 250 jobs to the town.
A spokesman for the council said: “The area of land is not designated for such a tourism use in the current Unitary Development Plan and nor is there an intention to designate it as such in the LDP (2011).
“Should an application be received, the council will consult with the public and the proposal will be assessed on its merits against our current adopted policies.”
The proposed location has received opposition within Rhyl, with many residents keen to preserve the green space that traditionally separates the town from neighbouring Rhuddlan.
Cllr Jeanette Chamberlain Jones, of Rhyl South ward on Denbighshire County Council, is aware of the level of opposition to any potential development on the land.
She said: “This land is a green barrier between Rhyl and the rest of Denbighshire, and it was clear when I conducted a survey that the vast majority of people in my ward wanted to keep it that way.
“Under the LDP, development will not be able to occur on this land. There were proposals for Glan Clwyd Hospital to be built there but it was not suitable and that is still the case today.”
Cllr Brian Blakeley, of Rhyl South East ward on Denbighshire County Council, has also voiced concerns over the location.
He said: “We must keep the open space we have. Young people need to have a place to play. I am not opposed to having a development like this in Rhyl, but I believe this is completely the wrong place and am aware of the LDP restrictions.”
Braidwater revealed last week it had submitted proposals for the site and what the development would be if planning permission was granted.
They said: “This gateway site for the town will be a showpiece development to be used by locals and tourists alike.“