A planning committee voted unanimously in favour of an application for allotments in Abergele.

Landowner Cllr Andrew Wood, a member of Conwy’s planning committee, applied for permission for 50 allotments together with storage at parkland adjacent to Manorafon Farm Park, near Gwrych Castle.

The application split the feeling in the town with many residents opposing the plans and others writing in support.

Some residents feared the plans could create noise, parking problems, and an increase in traffic in the area.

Others said the allotment could have a detrimental effect on Gwrych Castle, used to film I'm a Celebrity for two years during Covid.

But other residents felt the allotments could be of great benefit to the mental health of the community.

One lady speaker objecting to the plans pointed to the grade-one listed castle being close by.

She said, “How could an allotment with 50 sheds, all with plastic paraphernalia that goes with it, and the ineffective screening (trees) used, only have a minor effect on the listed landscape, especially when it sits in the direct line of the view to the grade-one listed castle?”

But Cllr Wood spoke in favour of his plans, insisting allotments were badly needed in the county.

“Abergele is the only large town in Conwy County Council not to have an allotment provision,” he said.

“Abergele and Pensarn currently have 78 people on the waiting list for allotments. Conwy County Council has 398 registered people on their (waiting) list. We desperately need more allotments in the county.”

Planning offices recommended the committee backed the plans, and Cllr Nigel Smith proposed councillors voted in favour of the recommendation. Cllr Gwennol Ellis seconded this proposal.

Cllr Dave Jones said, “I was on the site visit yesterday, and reading through everything and listening to the speakers today, I’ve got absolutely no problem with this application. It is absolutely needed. We need more of this in the county.”

Cllr David Carr added, “I absolutely support more allotments. There was a debate in the Senedd a while back. The first minister has actually got an allotment, and the local Conservative member was in total agreement that we need more allotments in Wales. I think they are a fantastic idea.”

Cllr Ifor Lloyd added, “This is a local project for local people. It is wonderful sandy clay soil. I’m very supportive.”

Cllr Stephen Price said, “Having read over 50 of the objections today… (but) the overwhelming majority were in favour of allotment per se. Their (the objectors) only issue was that location. Most of those objectives did not propose an alternative site.”