Preferred Strategy

Comment

Representation ID: 28227

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

a) I do not dispute the retail hierarchy for centres.
b) The Conwy Retail Study appears to be quite at odds to what is visible on the ground. To the West the plan highlights any latent needs will be satisfied by the Lidl scheme. The plan suggests that this replaces the lapsed consent on the Brickworks site, however that was for 100k sq ft. Does this imply that assessments have been revised?
The majority of policies within the plan are protective of change within town centres, yet not from detrimental effects outside those urban settlements.

(a) noted.
(b) The Conwy Retail Study was revised as part of the updated evidence base for the Replacement LDP. The retail need for the plan area was similar to previous, but it has now been split for different parts of the coast, to provide more flexibility with store sizes and better reflect the changing needs of the retail market.

Comment

Representation ID: 28228

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

The strategy relating to town centre uses appear to recognise the issues facing town centres. However, policies designed to encourage alternative uses should be both appropriate and measured. Whilst leisure, entertainment and food and drink uses can benefit town centres, too greater concentration of a single alternative use can cause consequential damage.

Variety is a key element of any destination, though short-term economics might emphasise otherwise.

Hot and cold take away should be carefully controlled.

Noted

Comment

Representation ID: 28229

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

Economic Development is traditionally viewed within the confines of B1, B2 and B8. However, in Conwy is encompasses tourism, retailing, farm diversification and production etc.

The economics of employment land have historically been such that they are under pressure from alternative uses. Such sites should be specifically protected from alternative uses.

We are concerned by the proposals for an allocation of 50% office and 50% other. This would appear to be an arbitrary figure, at best aspirational.

Not accepted. The 50/50 split is evidenced in the Employment Land Review Background paper. Overall supply will be considered when deciding on use class for new allocated employment sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 28230

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

The local authority has stated that the economic downturn had a significant effect on the failure of the existing LDP to deliver even 50% of the target number of houses over the plan period. Whilst this may be true in part, real consideration must be given to the inequitable treatment of different settlements regarding their requirement to provide affordable housing, as well as the overall percentage itself.

It is clear that setting unrealistic affordable housing targets contributed significantly to the County failing to built the number of houses the LDP required.

Noted.

Comment

Representation ID: 28231

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

S02, S08

The effect of short-term holiday lets needs to be appropriately considered within the LDP, as the effect on neighbourhoods and the wider area can be profound.

The proliferation of short-term holiday lets raises a number of significant issues. It reduces the stock available in the private tented sector as short term holiday lettings can be more lucrative. It also places regulated holiday accommodation such as hotels and B&Bs at an unfair advantage.

Noted. BP/21 - 'Conwy Holiday Accommodation Study' seeks to identify the holiday accommodation types and levels throughout Conwy. However, some forms of holiday let are presently outside the planning process.

Comment

Representation ID: 28232

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

We have had considerable input into the local tourism strategy. This should form the basis of the tourism strategy across Llandudno in the planning period.

Noted.

Comment

Representation ID: 28233

Received: 23/09/2019

Respondent: Mostyn Estates Limited

The impact of significant strategic sites on adjacent land holdings is ill thought out. Extensive residential development leads to a more intensive use of footpaths, the most notable consequence being an increase cost in ownership and management of land holdings.

A much more concerning prospect is that farmers are forced to alter the way they farm in the face of the onslaught of dog walkers. These farms become less and less viable as a consequence, which puts pressure on those farming communities which are often multi-generational and predominantly Welsh speaking.

Accepted in principle. Development briefs for Strategic Sites should consider impact on adjacent and nearby countryside. This should be done in consultation with the Biodiversity Officer and Countryside officers when drawing up a draft brief which will then be subject to public consultation.