Plans to build a 12-bedroom hotel on the outskirts of Caernarfon have been given the green light by council planners despite local opposition.

Gwynedd council officers had recommended approval for the plan to build the new development after demolishing Ty Glan Menai on Ffordd yr Aber, which was once the clubhouse for the town’s golf course.

The application for the hotel, covering 4,972 sq ft, had been submitted by KDP Architects on behalf of Mick McKenna who believes it will contribute positively to the local economy.

But last month saw planning committee members defer a decision to allow the applicants to provide more information relating to flooding concerns and accessibility to the site.

The plans had also attracted opposition from Bontnewydd Community Council, who recommended that the plans should be turned down over fears of the impact on the area of outstanding natural beauty and that the proposed three-storey building is “too large” for its location near the Aber foreshore.

Permission for a similar development was granted upon appeal in 2012 after the authority turned down the original application, but had to be re-presented due to the five-year approval having expired in 2017.

Planning officer, Cara Owen, told this afternoon’s meeting in Caernarfon that the professional officers were of the belief it would not cause undue harm to the local area, with the emergency services having raised no serious concerns that partial flooding on the approach roads would cause them any access issues.

“Its felt that there is a local need and such a hotel would benefit the local economy as well as expanding the range of accommodation that already exists in the Caernarfon area,” she concluded.

Cllr Eric M Jones added, “I can’t see how we can refuse the application but we need to look at the parking issues, the roads around the site are already full to the brim when there’s a big competition at the golf club.”

Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones added, “I do feel it would help the local economy and seeing that the applicant has already been successful upon appeal, the decision has been made for us to all intents and purposes.

“My only question would be why the delay when the plans were given approval as far back as 2012?”

The application was approved by ten votes to three, with one abstention.

The proposed design will see seven bedrooms on the first floor and five bedrooms on the second floor, with enough parking spaces for 12 guests and three members of staff.

The approved development also includes an on-site swimming pool.