Developer's plan for Llandudno car park - and there are two things people don't like

A developer is back with new plans for a key space in the centre of Llandudno - but there is already opposition. McCarthy Stone had previously proposed developing land at Maelgwyn Road car park off Gloddaeth Street - erecting 55 apartments for the over-60s.

But this scheme from 2021 never progressed. Now though a consultation has started on a similar development for the land, with 57 apartments for retired people.

There are already objections to the application. People have two main issues with the proposals.

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The first is the loss of parking spaces in the busy tourist town that swells in numbers during the peak season - with Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders saying they can't afford to lose more parking places. Conwy council currently lease the land to use as a car park. This issue has been raised by a number of others locally.

The other thing some are mentioning is that it could further increase the number of older people in the town and that more affordable family and starter homes were actually needed.

Conwy already has one of the oldest populations in Wales with the proportion of people aged over 65 up from 24.3% in 2010 to 27.9% in 2020. This has knock on impacts on the demands on social services and the NHS.

McCarthy Stone said the development was designed to meet the need of people in later life and would represent the regeneration of a brownfield site - as well as bringing a positive economic impact.

Ciaran Aldridge, Divisional Managing Director North, McCarthy Stone, said: “There is a real need for specialist retirement accommodation in Llandudno, and this proposal would go some way to addressing that, whilst at the same time releasing existing family homes onto the market and relieving the pressure to build on local greenfield sites.

“Located close to the centre of this popular seaside town, McCarthy Stone residents provide a vital boost to local businesses, typically using local shops and services daily, or often. Research shows that residents of a 57-home McCarthy Stone development would collectively spend £439,000 a year on the local high street. This spending would support local retail jobs and help to keep businesses open in Llandudno.”

They said statistics from the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Service Board highlights the local need for this type of accommodation, with the district’s over-65 population set to increase by more than 10,000 between 2020 and 2040. The developer said these proposals would help to address this issue, allowing local older people in Llandudno the opportunity to downsize into a more suitable home, while staying close to friends and family.

This they say has been shown to then release properties for other people in the local area and that most residents move to a McCarthy Stone retirement development from within a 5-mile radius.

Ciaran Aldridge added: “As recognised by the local Public Service Board, there is a real need for specialist retirement accommodation in Llandudno. We look forward to working closely with Conwy County Borough Council to progress these proposals and to address this local need.

“Additionally, our plans for Llandudno provide a valuable opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of local older people, whist also supporting significant cost savings to the NHS and local social care services.”

But Senedd member Janet Finch-Saunders said: "Llandudno cannot afford to lose any parking spaces. Residents and people who travel to Llandudno for weekly shopping or holidays will know well the parking chaos the community encounters. As I have said before, I would recommend that McCarthy Stone withdraw.

“To build on one of the town’s principal car parks would be a grave economic error."

One local resident said: "What we really need is affordable housing, not more retirement flats, especially when there are already so many empty." Another added: "More old people flats? Why?".

On the parking, one person added: "Passed this car park the other day. Beautiful sunny day in Llandudno, every possible space was taken up with a car. Every car there represents revenue for a hotel, cafe or attraction (or maybe all three) and this ultimately benefits the town’s economy.

"Losing it will cause parking problems for locals, and possibly deter visitors if they find (the already difficult parking situation in Llandudno) a hassle."

An application is expected to be submitted to Conwy council in the coming months.

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