A leisure complex and holiday lodge park could still get the go-ahead after Welsh Government called in a planning application.

Denbighshire’s planning committee advised Welsh Government to refuse Flint-based developers North Wales Construction Limited to convert the former Rhyl and District Rugby Club into a holiday park.

The Rhyl club relocated from its pitch on Waen Road between Rhuddlan and Rhuallt in 2018, moving to Tynewydd Fields in Rhyl.

The developers wanted to convert the club’s former clubhouse to form a reception building, erect a new clubhouse and bunkhouse and build seven holiday pod accommodation units and 23 two-bedroom holiday lodges.

The plans also included seven three-bedroom lodges, seven four-bedroom lodges, new paths, two wildlife ponds, parking, and landscaping.

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But last December then-councillor Christine Marston said the application was too large in the open countryside, adding it did not adhere to planning policy.

Cllr Marston proposed councillors voted to advise Welsh Government to refuse it.

Cllr Peter Scott seconded Cllr Marston, and councillors voted against the proposals, citing that the application went against the planning policy of protecting quality agricultural land.

Councillors also argued that the plans had poor access, specifically travel connections and highway access.

The December 2021 committee vote happened after the application first came before the planning committee in April 2021, but Welsh Ministers issued an Article 18 Direction following a request to call in the application.

Welsh Government has the power to call in a planning application and has the final say on the matter.

The Article 18 Direction directed the council to not grant planning permission, to enable time for Welsh Government ministers to consider whether the application should be referred to them for determination.

The Welsh Government then issued a call-in decision letter in September 2021.

Denbighshire will now submit a statement of its case before a hearing.

Calling in applications is relatively rare, but if they do this, the decision lies with the minister with the responsibility for planning.

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The application returned to Denbighshire’s planning committee this week for discussion so members could consider who should represent Denbighshire at the hearing.

Cllr Peter Scott volunteered to attend to explain Denbighshire’s position.

When the initial application was considered, residents wrote to the council in opposition.

Ian Papworth said in his letter: “This application seems to be the precursor to a change of use to a housing estate. What safeguards will there be to ensure that “Lodges” (don’t) become 12-month occupancy and then houses?”

He added: “There is a need to preserve high-quality agricultural land with the open landscape as a buffer between Rhyl, Rhuddlan, and Dyserth. “

Iwan Evans also wrote to the council.

In his letter, he wrote: “How will the treatment plant deal with the large amount of water discharged from the swimming pool and treat the chlorine discharge? If this leaks into the nearby watercourse, it will pollute the stream which eventually feeds into the river Clwyd.”

Robert Holmes also wrote: “My property is located in an area of green belt and outstanding natural beauty, which is the main reason I chose this particular property.

“I was not terribly excited at the prospect of having a village being built 100 metres away from my property! I believe that Denbighshire County Council should have purchased the existing sports facility and grounds and used it for young people to participate in sporting and other outdoor pursuits. I believe that the provision of a holiday park offers nothing to the local area.”

Welsh Government will have the final say on the decision.