An Anglesey Rugby club’s bid for replacement changing rooms and a new clubhouse has been backed by council planners despite concerns from locals.

On Wednesday, Anglesey Council’s planning committee approved the application submitted by Holyhead Rugby Club for their ground at Ffordd Bryn Y Môr, Valley.

The plans also include a new car park, increasing the on-site capacity from 25 to 75 vehicles, but councillors had referred the application to the planning committee after neighbours raised concerns.

Dilwyn Williams, who lives near the ground, told the meeting in Llangefni: “We’re not opposed to the Rugby club but do object to this application due to the disturbance it will cause.

“An on-site clubhouse will mean more traffic, and the road is wholly unsuitable as it is.

“There are already issues with swearing and litter, and the community of Bryn Y Môr is concerned that it will only get worse.”

Cllr Richard Dew, backing the local residents, added: “We know that the Rugby club is established here but the community council opposes the development due to the additional traffic that will need to use the single track road leading to the ground.

“Is there really a need for four changing rooms when there’s only one field? I suggest that a smaller scale development would be more acceptable to nearby residents.”

Cllr Gwilym O Jones added that 30 letters of objection have been submitted, also questioning if the single track road would cause a problem for the emergency services if needed.

But Georgina Crawley, speaking on behalf of the club, pointed out that they had been established in the area for 50 years, boasting over 250 members as well as women’s and junior sides.

She added that the club not only represented the Holyhead area but north west Anglesey as a whole.

“Our existing facilities are poor and we are having to use temporary buildings, but this will provide the facilities we require and will be finished in grey render to blend in.

“The clubhouse will will serve drinks and snacks and will help with team bonding but we don’t envisage it will bring in extra footfall, only improving the facilities.

“The increase in the number of parking spaces from 25 to 75 will allow more visitors to park on site instead of nearby roads.”

Members unanimously approved the application on the proposal of Cllr Bryan Owen, who said: “I agree that the road is narrow, but the club has been there since the 1960’s which was before the time some of the neighbouring homes were even built.

“The club deserves better facilities and I’m happy to recommend approval.”