CONTROVERSIAL plans for a gypsy and travellers’ site in Abergele have been dropped.
In a report to Conwy County Council’s cabinet before their special meeting yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), planning officers recommended the removal of all reference to the proposed site search area in south-east Abergele as outlined in the deposit Local Development Plan (LDP).
With the recommendation having been approved, a search is now set to begin for a new area of land elsewhere in Conwy that meets a set of seven criteria including suitability of land, accessibility and having adequate on-site services.
Although a small amount of support has been given for the proposal in Abergele, the level of opposition was made clear by more than 3,000 objections being submitted by the Abergele LDP Action Group, Clwyd West AM Darren Millar and individuals during the consultation process.
Cllr Richard Waters, of Gele ward on Abergele Town Council, welcomed the latest developments.
He said: “The original policy on the gypsy and traveller camp off St George Road in Abergele had been made without any clear evidence of need.
“I am aware just how opposed so many people in my ward are to the possibility of having the site here. It has caused a lot of anxiety for people who live in the area and I am pleased it now looks as though it will not go here.”
Clwyd West AM Darren Millar handled more than 1,000 objections to the proposals.
He said: “I’m delighted that our hard fought campaign to see proposals for a gypsy/traveller camp in Abergele have finally paid off - it is a real victory for local residents.
“I received hundreds of representations on this issue and over one thousand people signed my petition calling for these plans to be scrapped.
“It was clear from the start that local residents found the plans totally unacceptable and the town is a wholly inappropriate location to place such a site.
“I want to pay tribute to the Abergele LDP Action Group and Abergele Town Council for their efforts in helping to secure this decision.”
The 39 specific objections revealed in the report to the cabinet include the search area being restricted to East Conwy, concerns about potential anti-social behaviour growing if the site was placed in Abergele and criticisms over the identification process for the site.
As well as the planned travellers’ site, there have been concerns from residents about issues including a planned new relief road, housing developments and potential threats to playing fields if the LDP plan goes ahead and reshapes the town.