HUNDREDS are expected to pack a public meeting as battle lines are drawn over plans to create 39 camping ‘pods’ and an additional 65 pitches in Prestatyn.

Plans to develop the land at the site on Victoria Road will be debated next Monday night.

Noah Robinson, of Lakeside Prestatyn Ltd – the operators of the Ffrith Beach Touring Park – is behind proposals which will see 31 timber camping ‘pods’ built and eight family-sized ones. Many residents have submitted concerns or objections to Denbighshire County Council.

Mr Robinson, who has been in the fairground business for more than 50 years, has hit out at those opposing the plans, however, saying their is no “rationale” behind their comments.

Jack Jones, who runs the The White House by the Sea caravan park on nearby Victoria Road West, fears the plans will “bankrupt” him if they go ahead.

Mr Jones, 92, said: “I have ran a small caravan park for many many years. My problem is that the development is going to bankrupt our little house. This is our home.

“Our average over the last five years was 250 families. Last year, only 168; this year, unknown.”

Mr Jones says he also has concerns over the effect on local wildlife and on access to the beach.

“I feel it [the development] will wipe the wildlife out,” he said.

He added: “All the beautiful beaches we use to have here are gone. You can’t get on them now. Access is the issue.

“To get on the beach you have to go through all the rough terrain. It is impossible.

“We used to have wonderful access for everyone, provided by the previous council, for wheelchair persons, prams, push chairs...”

Cllr Rachel Flynn, who represents Prestatyn North on Denbighshire County and Prestatyn Town councils, said she had also heard concerns from residents over access.

She said: “This is in regards to access to the beach at the back of the site as it is unlevel ground and no good for anyone without a pair of walking points.

“There are two caravan parks there: The White House and Pen y Ffrith. These rely on the access to the beach for guests to stay with them.

“It is a real selling point for their business and also affects their livelihoods and wellbeing. This new extension affects these people the most.”

She added that there was also a “real misconception” surrounding boundaries.

“The area is popular with many dog walkers and once upon a time, people could walk around freely and now they are seeing boulders at some of the access points,” she said.

“I have asked Denbighshire County Council to put together a large map of the area on site.

“People really don’t know which part belongs to who. It is made up of common land, DCC [land] and a tenancy.”

Others, however – including local chippy owner Ronnie Sherer – are supporting the proposed development at Ffrith Beach Touring Park, which has been operating since 2016.

Mr Sherer, 76, who runs the nearby Ffrith and Chips takeaway, said: “I don’t know Noah, but Noah knows the leisure industry. I can see what the improvements are around here.

“Noah has invested his own money. He knows ‘glamping’ is popular and the arcades. We see little bits of progress.”

And Cllr Paul Penlington, also a town and county councillor for Prestatyn North, said in a “general sense” he was in support of the plans.

“They will improve the general appearance of the Ffrith and bring more visitors to Prestatyn,” he said.

“The Ffrith has been a serious concern for many years, so it is good that Noah is making an effort to make something of it now.

“Residents have genuine concerns though, particularly about restrictions to beach access in that area.

“I hope to have a good discussion at the public meeting with more.”

The public meeting will be held at the Alive Church, Victoria Road, Prestatyn at 6pm.