Having been involved in negotiations to help bring land at Ffordd Elan, in Rhyl's Park View estate back into community use, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed news that the sale of the land from developers to Denbighshire County Council has now completed.
The area was historically used by residents as open space and was designated for community use in the Unitary Development Plan. However in 2007, the area was fenced off and a legal disagreement ensued.
In 2021, James was approached about the matter by then Rhyl Denbighshire County Councillors and Cabinet Members, Tony Thomas and Brian Jones, and consequently contacted Chairman of Anwyl Group, Graham Anwyl, to discuss the potential sale of the land.
This led to the developer having discussions with Denbighshire County Council and the eventual agreement to sell the land.
Commenting, James said:
“This has been a long-standing issue for residents of the Park View estate and I am pleased that it has finally been resolved.
“The dispute generated much publicity locally, but, despite this, for years no progress was made.
“I became involved after the then Cabinet member for Biodiversity, Tony Thomas, and Cabinet member for Climate Change, Cllr Brian Jones, got in contact and told me of the discussions they had been having with Denbighshire County Council officers over the potential sale of the land.
“I consequently contacted Graham Anwyl and the company then proceeded to have discussions with the council. I was pleased that shortly afterwards, an agreement was made to sell the land to Denbighshire County Council."
He added:
“I welcome the fact that the council plans to carry out a public consultation on plans and designs for the land and I look forward to seeing the development of the site, and to residents being able to use it.”
Cllr Brian Jones said:
“When I was Cabinet Member for Climate Change in the last council, I worked alongside then Cabinet Member for Biodiversity, Tony Thomas, to secure a positive outcome for residents. It wasn’t easy and in 2021 we asked Dr James Davies MP to speak to his contacts at Anwyl and things progressed from there.
“It has been a long time in the making, so I am extremely pleased that the sale has finally been completed.
“As ward member, I will now work to ensure that residents are properly consulted on plans for the site and that their views are fully considered.
“They have waited a long time for this land to be returned for community use, so it is essential that its development meets their wants and needs.”