Permission sought for Traveller site near Prestatyn

The applications relate to land at the rear of Gwynfor and the former Police House on Main Road in Ffynnongroyw, where members of a Traveller family have lived since 2021.

Planning documents state the family moved onto the site after purchasing the properties, with the land having previously consisted of woodland, scrubland and a general tipping area. The applications follow previous planning discussions with the local authority and the service of an enforcement notice.

According to the submitted planning statements, an earlier application was refused in 2023 because of concerns over the design, layout and impact on the Ffynnongroyw Conservation Area, as well as insufficient information relating to highways and flood risk.

The revised proposals seek permission for a total of nine family pitches across the two adjoining sites, comprising four pitches behind Gwynfor and five behind the Police House.

Each site would also include a communal dayroom, landscaping works and entrance gates.

The planning statements say a larger number of caravans had previously occupied the land, including some non-traveller residents, resulting in what planners considered an overcrowded development.

The applicants say excess caravans have since been removed following discussions with council officers.

In the documents, the applicants say the redesigned layout would reduce the visual impact on the conservation area because the pitches are located behind existing properties and would be screened by new planting.

The statements also contend that the sites would help meet demand for Traveller accommodation in Flintshire, noting the family's wish to remain on land they own and maintain their cultural way of life.

Addressing flood concerns, the applications refer to a previous Flood Consequences Assessment and state the sites face a very low risk of tidal flooding. They also cite recent drainage and flood defence works carried out by Network Rail in the area.

Proposed mitigation measures include flood warning registration, emergency plans and the storage of temporary flood barriers and sandbags.

The applications further propose connections to the public foul sewer network, permeable paving to manage surface water, and low-glare lighting designed to minimise impacts on neighbouring residents and wildlife.

Planning documents conclude that the council and the applicants have been working together to find a viable solution for the site, with the applicants requesting permission for both developments.

The applications will be considered by Flintshire Council at a later date.