A plan to build a “luxury lodge park” on a former rugby ground has been deferred by councillors after it was “called-in” to Welsh Government for scrutiny.

The scheme would see the former Rhyl Rugby Club site at The Waen, between Rhuddlan and Rhuallt, redeveloped.

North Wales Construction Ltd bought the site in 2018 and the club took up residence at its new Tynewydd Road base in Rhyl in time for its first match in December 2018.

The proposals include seven one-bed pods, 23 two-bed chalets, seven three bed chalets, seven four-bed chalets, a 24 bed bunkhouse and a leisure complex with restaurant.

The former on-site social club will become a reception, shop and cycle hire hub.

The tree-lined complex would “restrict movement of cars” on the site, which would have bike racks and electric charging points for green vehicles.

However at Denbighshire council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday Cllr Christine Marston asked members to defer the application  because of they had learned the plans had been “called-in” to Welsh Government.

This means someone has formally written to Welsh Government asking for the matter to be determined by ministers.

A late representation objecting to the development by planning consultant Iwan Evans said the scheme did not support local, rural communities and the “scale” was too big.

Among his objections he also claimed the plans were contrary to local and national planning policies and called it a “speculative development” which doesn’t “comply with the Local Development Plan” and should be refused.

Officers advised members of the committee they could still consider the application and refuse it but if they approved the scheme it would still have to be decided by Welsh ministers.

Cllr Marston’s proposal to defer the application until Welsh Government had made a decision on the proposals was carried unanimously by committee members.

Officers had recommended the scheme be approved prior to the last minute intervention by Welsh Government.