Planning consent for homes near ancient woodland

The Capuchin Francissan Order applied for outline consent to erect three dwellings including access at land off Alexandra Park, Penmaenmawr.

The land falls within the Penmaenmawr Conservation Area of Pen y Cae, and tree preservation orders are currently in place to protect some of the vegetation and trees within the woodland.

The woods is 0.46 hectares and falls on both sides of the unadopted road, and access to the land is through Alexandra Park off Graiglwyd Road.

Councillors had already voted to refuse planning permission for the development on 28 September, following concerns about building near ancient woodland.

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But because the planning committee went against planning officers’ advice, which was to grant the application, councillors were required to reaffirm their decision to refuse the application at yesterday’s meeting.

Consequently the committee re-debated the application, and several councillors changed their minds, arguing the application should be approved.

But Cllr Mandy Hawkins remained adamant that the application should be refused.

“The old oak tree at the centre of the plot is believed to be between 300 and 400 years old,” she said.

“I think that is quite significant for members to know.

“I think we do have to protect the biodiversity on the site and the wildlife we’ve got there.

“The Welsh Government have actually got their own stance on this in regards to protecting the environment and future generations.

“I really think it is important that we consider everything that is on here. We are talking three large houses that will be on the site.

“We know there is a need for affordable housing.

“These are houses that are large that the majority of the community wouldn’t be able to afford, and we are talking about building on a conservation area.

“Conservation areas are supposed to be protected.

“If we are not protecting our conservation areas and we are not protecting the trees with the tree protection orders on them, what are they there for?

“We know gardens will encroach and they (people living in the unbuilt homes) will do their own thing.

“Welsh Government are doing all they can to get as many trees planted as possible, and we are talking of going into an area where we have got large, well-established plants, and we are looking at ripping them up.”

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Cllr Hawkins proposed councillors refused the application.

But planning officer Paula Jones said the site fell within the settlement boundary area and was policy compliant as the development was being built around the protected trees.

“The development has been built around those (protected) trees to preserve the trees,” she said.

“Obviously there will be some trees that aren’t protected under the tree preservation status that will need to be removed as part of the development or proposals, and we will also be looking for additional mitigation in the form of additional planting as well.

“Our ecologist is also looking at a management and maintenance plan.”

Cllr Ifor Lloyd then said he believed there was a strong case for building on the site as a lot of trees needed removing to promote a healthier wooded area.

“I’ve got no reason to object to it really,” he said.

“I’m going to propose we approve the development because it’s so well mitigated.

“We need houses in Conwy, and this is in the development area.”

But Cllr Jo Nuttal said: “We must protect this ancient woodland and veteran trees, and any amount of groundwork, however careful we are, is going to affect the roots.”

She added that planning must take into account Welsh Government objectives to protect and conserve historic environments.

Cllr Nuttall then seconded Cllr Hawkins’ proposal. But Cllr Chris Cater also seconded Cllr Lloyd’s proposal to grant outline planning consent, and councillors voted in favour of the application.