PRESTATYN Town’s recent successful planning application regarding the TV gantry issue that denied them promotion is further proof of a lack of common sense regarding their licencing issue.

The current climate has made things very difficult for the runaway JD Cymru North leaders to get the necessary paperwork in place prior to the deadline, and despite a strong appeal coupled in with a ground share, their pleas were knocked back by the Football Association of Wales.

This has left Neil Gibson’s side facing the prospect of trying to win the second-tier title again next time around, but with the likes of Airbus UK Broughton, Colwyn Bay, Bangor City and Llandudno all expected to challenge, they might not have it all their own way.

One suspects that this situation could have been handled with a sense of empathy. There is no doubt that the Seasiders’ deserved promotion for their incredible efforts during the campaign, and the FAW should have aired on the side of compassion when it came to their licence application.

How was the club supposed to get the necessary permission for improvements when Denbighshire County Council were not sitting for committee meetings due to social distancing measures? There could be an argument to the contrary regarding how long they had to get the matter sorted, but according to multiple sources, the extent of the work needed was not given until the Christmas and New Year period.

Things like this ultimately take time, and it was something that Prestatyn ultimately ran out of. Their promotion rejection has caused a ripple effect that has resulted in chairman Neal Colakoglu selling the club to Merseyside-based investor Jamie Welsh.

One suspects that the vultures are also circling regarding some of their top talent that proved their worth as top-flight performers last season. However, most of this current squad has been extremely loyal to Gibson during his two spells at the helm. And it would be a huge surprise if this was a trend that didn’t continue next season.

They will be without the services of talented wide player Danny Davies, who joined JD Cymru Premier champions Connah’s Quay Nomads following a standout campaign. Striker Jordan Davies has been moved on and former midfielder Rob Hughes, who left for Australia in January, has penned a deal with Flint Town United.

All this could probably have been avoided with a little leeway from the FAW. The fact this has come just a few days after their announcement regarding promotion and relegation was even more damning. Whether you could say that the club had enough time to get this sorted if up for debate But their bid for a return to the top-flight at the second time of asking was thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic and red tape, rather than performances on the field.

That is something that eaves a sour taste in the mouth, and it will give Town a massive chip on their shoulder as they go in search of writing some wrongs next season.