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A councillor branded a proposed new leisure complex in a Denbighshire village a “monstrosity” – but the plans were still approved by the county’s planning committee. Thomas Scarrott of the Vale Group Ltd applied to Denbighshire County Council for permission to demolish an existing swimming pool building at Parc Farm Caravan Park in Llanarmon-Yn-Ial and erect a new leisure building on the Graianrhyd Road site. The plans include a reception area, offices, swimming pool, changing rooms, fitness suite, cafeteria, restaurant, bars, and kitchen. Council planning officers had recommended the proposals for approval at November's planning committee meeting, despite strong objections from the local community council and residents. Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts said he was astonished the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) had supported the plans, describing the design as “a monstrosity”. “Fundamentally, it looks to me as if somebody has just dropped a container from I.T Williams in a field and put a bit of wood around it,” he said. North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox. “I mean, come on. If you want to operate a business, have a bit about you that you are going to actually blend in with the community so you make it look like something that... It looks like somebody has cut in windows out, put some glass in – make a gallery, and it'll be fine.” He added: “I think it looks absolutely awful, and it's not within the keeping of the AONB, and how the AONB can support that is really worrying for me because we've had applications at this committee that have been far more sympathetic to the area, and the AONB has spoken against, and that is really scary for me, and it really does look like a monstrosity.” Despite these concerns, Cllr Hilditch-Roberts feared if councillors objected, the developer would likely win an appeal. Cllr Alan James defended the plans, saying the development was complementary to the area and would provide a valuable facility for local people. He added the development would be a great resource for younger people to go swimming and use the gym without having to go too far outside their community. “I take exception to Cllr Hilditch. He probably knows I would, regarding the reference to one of our major employers in the area in terms of dropping something on a piece of ground, that it is like one of our trailers or developments.” He added: “Design is in the eye of the beholder. I actually find these kinds of buildings attractive. "So whilst you have an opinion, I actually think it's quite creative and looks quite fantastic and modern.” The community council had objected to the development, arguing the park had already expanded significantly and that more caravans and facilities would increase traffic on rural lanes and harm the tranquillity of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Several residents also wrote to the council, warning the plans were out of keeping with the village, could cause sewage issues, and would be better suited to a town or city. Despite the concerns, councillors voted in favour of the development, with 12 supporting the plans and seven opposing, in line with planning officers’ advice. An amendment, though, was made, asking the developer to work with the council when choosing the materials used for construction. Public notices in your area
