Anglesey Marina Development Plan Under Attack From Locals

Pressure is mounting on developers Conygar Stena Line to revise plans that they have for a £100 million marina development on Anglesey. There is outline consent for 326 homes, a 500-berth  marina, retail, leisure, restaurants,  hotel and office space, on Holyhead’s waterfront.

But the Waterfront Action Group, which opposes the scheme, has held a public meeting at Holyhead High School  to reiterate its fears about the visual impact the development would have on the town’s Newry Beach.

Newry Beach, Anglesey is under pressure

The group has subsequently applied for “village green” status for the seafront site to Anglesey council.  The lodging of that application means the land is protected for now from further development until the outcome of that application  has been decided by planners.

Until that happens, the whole project is on hold and campaigners believe this is their “last chance” to save the beach from development. However, many in favour of the development have been left angered by this “roadblock”, which they say is halting progress on a project that developers say would bring many jobs to an island ravaged by unemployment during recent years.

However, the Waterfront Action Group remain have reservations over the number of jobs that would be created by the plan. At the meeting, Terry Looker said: “No one in this room is against creating jobs, we all know Holyhead and Anglesey is in desperate need of them, but not at any cost. The estimate has already gone down from 600 to 300 new jobs, I wonder what the real figure is? Very little information is forthcoming from the developers.”

Town Councillor Shaun Redmond, added: “This is an elite development that will not answer any of our housing needs, geared towards people from elsewhere. Why destroy a beach for that purpose? We have no issues with the proposals for Porthyfelin and Soldier’s Point which may create jobs, but the rows of houses that will destroy Newry Beach, will not benefit the town whatsoever.”

Although not present at the meeting, Albert Owen MP issued a statement: “I am aware the developer has revised the plans which I understand will show a reduction in the most sensitive areas, but recent events have delayed submission to the council. There must, in my opinion, be constructive dialogue between all parties in order to identify mutual aspirations and to maximise community benefits especially as it is clear most people wish to see some form of development and progress on the issue.”