PLANS to convert a vacant Colwyn Bay nursing home into 23 affordable apartments have been refused.

Wales and West Housing Association had applied to Conwy County Council’s planning department in January, seeking permission to develop the former Guy’s Cliff Nursing Home on Conway Road.

The nursing home’s former owner retired and sold the building before Christmas 2022.

The plans included pedestrian access and parking but would not have created any employment in the town.

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The council has now refused the plans, which were also met with objection by residents and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar.

Conwy County Borough Council said of the refusal: "The layout, form, height, scale, massing and elevational treatment of the proposed building would result in a dominant and overbearing feature that would significantly detract from the character of the area.

"The proposal would result in a loss in the area of green space and a reduction in the number of trees within the application site which make a positive contribution to the character of the area."

Conwy is currently facing a housing crisis with the council even lifting a blanket bedsit ban in a bid to meet the demand for homes.

Councillors have said that affordable housing across the county is badly needed to meet a rising demand and also help solve a homelessness problem.