TRUST members have complained of being left in the dark over the Bodelwyddan Castle site’s future.

During a private debate, Denbighshire County Council considered a confidential report which sought cabinet approval of the terms of sale of the freehold interest in Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel and part of the estate.

This was agreed as well as the decision to sell the freehold interest in the Bodelwyddan Castle Trust premises, excluding land let on agricultural tenancy, the Lodge and land for public access.

The council intends to retain the grasscrete carpark parkland, the play area and First World War trenches together with a 125-year lease of the woodland.

These areas will be for public access and be run by Countryside Services.

Last year, Bodelwyddan Castle Trust members were left upset after learning “through the Press” that the local authority was in talks over the sale of its site.

They said they had no intention of giving up their 125-year lease.

A trust spokesman said: “The trust has not been informed of this decision by the council, either before the cabinet meeting or following the resolution.

“This is not the first time that the cabinet have agreed a resolution that seems to overlook that Bodelwyddan Castle Trust holds a 125-year lease on a large part of the property at Bodelwyddan Castle.”

“The council has no choice but to sell the freehold interest in the area held by Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel if so demanded by Bourne Leisure under the terms of their lease.

“Beyond this, it is the trust and not the council that will determine what will happen to the remaining property on the estate.”

The trust’s 125-lease runs until 2119. Over the past 12 months, the trust has examined different options for its future development.

Denbighshire County Council said it was unable to comment further on the matter.

Dr Kevin Mason, company secretary at Bodelwyddan Castle Trust, said: “I am pleased to say that the Trust has had a good season despite the financial challenges resulting from the council’s withdrawal of funding.

“The First World War Trenches in particular have proved to be a great success and we are very grateful to the MoD and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund for the substantial financial investment that has enabled this development.

“As a charity, the Trust depends on the support of the public but also the numerous funding bodies that help to enhance these important local public services.”

The castle ended a 29-year partnership with the National Portrait Gallery last year after Denbighshire Council said it would withdraw funding in March 2018.