High Court decision over £100m Anglesey holiday village at coastal park
Developers can push ahead with plans for a £100m holiday village development after a High Court decision. Land & Lakes secured outline consent in 2016 for 500 holiday lodges and other facilities at Penrhos Coastal Park and other nearby land.
It was hailed as a prestige tourism development that would turbocharge Anglesey’s economy. But local campaigners have remained opposed to the scheme - citing fears about losing access to the coastal park, which lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
They also said the project threatens acres of woodland that’s home to rare red squirrels. Up to £40,000 was raised to fight the plans.
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Save Penrhos Coastal Park, led by Hilary Paterson-Jones, argued that the planning permission had lapsed and the entire development must be resubmitted for fresh planning consent.
Anglesey council maintained that enough work had been carried out on the site to render the permission valid.
The council's position has now been upheld after a High Court hearing in June. In a decision released by Mr Justice Mould he dismissed the claim that the planning permission was invalid. Mr Justice Mould also refused the Claimant's application for permission to appeal.
It was welcomed by Land and Lakes but Ms Paterson-Jones said the "fight continues".
Land and Lakes said: "When the planning application for Penrhos was approved in 2016, it was one of the most complex and extensively consulted planning submissions ever considered in Wales. Our development will be carefully interwoven with the existing landscape, including the woodlands and natural features of the park."
They said there are no plans to fell 28 acres of trees or any ancient woodland, and there are no plans to close Penrhos to the public.
They added: "Although the site is privately owned – as it always has been – we remain committed to maintaining and funding public access to 73 acres of beautiful woodlands and estate at Penrhos, as well as opening up an additional 111 acres of coastal Nature Reserve at Cae Glas.
"We now look forward to moving forward with our development, which will ensure that Penrhos continues to be a place for local people and visitors to benefit from and enjoy for the long term, whilst also bringing significant investment and jobs to the island."
Ms Hilary-Paterson said: "We have received the decision from the judge regarding the Judicial Review. Regrettably, the review did not rule in our favour. After extensive discussions with our legal team, we have resolved to escalate this matter to the Appeals court.
"We underscore the significance of unity and the potential ramifications of this new legal challenge, as it affords us the opportunity to return to court and advocate for Penrhos once more. From the outset, we have maintained our unwavering determination and sincerely hope for your continued support in our endeavours. We will shortly post a new funding page. Our fight continues."
Anglesey council said: "The County Council has been confident in the robustness of its decision-making processes, together with officers’ interpretation and application of the law. We welcome the High Court's judgement."
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