Plans for Anglesey’s first gypsy and traveller site have been approved thanks to the casting vote of the planning committee chair, following deadlock in the council chamber.

The 10-berth camp – which has been dubbed “GuantanaMôn Bay” due to the large fence surrounding the site – will be built on farmland between the A5 and A55 at Star near Gaerwen on Anglesey.

All councils in Wales are required to create official sites for gypsies and travellers under Welsh housing laws, with Anglesey currently falling foul of the legislation.

Members of the council’s planning committee had been asked to reconsider after a month’s “cooling off” period, having turned down the plans in September.

Then they had cited concerns that the land was “unsuitable, wet and dangerous” with additional fears that the proposed 2.4 metre fence could impact on tourism.

Among those speaking out against the application was local member and housing portfolio holder Cllr Alun Mummery, who said the site was wholly unsuitable for such a purpose.

“The local community was pleased that you listened last time and that common sense prevailed,” he said. “I urge you to stick to your guns and refuse this, allowing officers to go back to the drawing board and come up with a better plan.”

Fellow local member Cllr Meirion Jones added: “Local people have said all along that this site isn’t fit for anyone to live. Nothing’s changed since you turned down the plans last month.

“The site will look like a prison and the noise levels are above the WHO’s guidelines. I refuse to be kept quiet on such an important matter and the site isn’t sustainable. I urge you to turn this down.”

But planning officers argued that “upon balance”, there were no planning reasons to turn down the plans – a view shared by Cllr Ken Hughes.

He said: “Some councillors are thinking of every excuse under the sun to turn this down, be they planning considerations or not. I can’t see any planning reason to turn this down.”

When it came to the vote, councillors were deadlocked at five votes apiece. As a result, it took the casting vote of committee chair Cllr Nicola Roberts for the authority’s application to be approved.

However, this was met with shouting from the public gallery with one man shouting that the site would resemble “a concentration camp”.

Natural Resources Wales and North Wales Police offered no formal objection but the force did raise an observation about the site’s proximity to the A5.

While parts of the “tolerated site” on the industrial estate at Mona have traditionally been used by travellers on their way to and from Ireland, the recent sale of that land means that this is no longer an option.

According to Anglesey Council, those residing at the site will be expected to pay rates and rent, with Welsh Government funding being sought to help pay for the development.

A spokesman for the authority, said: “Anglesey Council is legally required by the Housing Act (Wales) 2014 to assess and meet the accommodation needs of the population within their area.

“This includes the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller Community and that of travelling show people. The Anglesey and Gwynedd Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Needs Assessment (2016) confirmed the need for temporary stopping sites on the island.

“The Temporary Stopping Place is intended to provide short-term accommodation for a maximum period of 2-3 weeks at a time. The aim is to create a well-designed practical layout which meets relevant standards, this includes spacings for caravans which are in accordance with the fire regulations as set out in the IACC Model Standards 2008 for Caravan Sites in Wales.”