An application to build over 30 homes in an Anglesey village was withdrawn before councillors could make a decision on the controversial project.

The outline proposals, submitted by Roebuck Developments Ltd, would have seen 31 new homes built in the heart of Llanfachraeth.

With developers promising an estate encompassing four bed detached and two bedroom terraced homes, concerns had been raised by locals that the site was prone to flooding.

But during Wednesday’s planning committee meeting, with the application on the agenda, members were informed it had been formally withdrawn beforehand.

The application had been called to the attention of the planning committee by local councillors, Ken Hughes and John Griffith, after flagging up flooding concerns by local residents.

Based next to the Roebuck Estate, which would have provided access to the site, developers stated that such flooding issues relating to the existing watercourse could have been resolved – seemingly backed up by consultant bodies including Welsh Water and Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

But with the planning officers’ report recommending refusal, 26 letters of objection were also submitted from members of the public  including concerns over the capacity of the sewage system, lack of parking, general village traffic and more stress on local amenities.

The application site was also described by opponents as a flood risk area and would result in the devaluation of surrounding properties and a loss of greenfield land.

In all, Anglesey Council planning officers cited nine separate policy contraventions as basis to refuse the plans, including a lack of Welsh Language Statement, lacking clarity on any affordable housing being included and no Water Conservation Statement being provided.

In their summing up, officers said “significant amendment, additional information and justification” would be required to address the objections listed, with more responses required from NRW and the council’s highways and drainage sections.

Justifying the plans, developers had pointed to the site’s location within the Anglesey and Gwynedd joint Local Development Plan, adding: “Consideration will be given to the use of solar/photovoltaic panels to reduce the amount of natural resource that the new dwellings will use.

“The buildings will also be highly insulated to reduce the amount of natural resources required to heat the building.”

Despite the local village school having closed in 2017, their supporting documents said: “The site is within walking distance of the village centre of Llanfachraeth where there are local shops, pubs, local school and community facilities.

“There are also public transport links nearby that travel to all the other local villages and towns of Anglesey and the mainland.”