Marine Drive Compound to Be Restored to Open Grassland

Denbighshire County Council’s Chief Executive, Helen White, along with the Corporate Director, Economy and Environment, Tony Ward and Rhyl East Councillor and Lead Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Barry Mellor today met with residents of Marine Drive, Rhyl to discuss plans for the site of the former Balfour Beatty compound and the proposed development of motorhome aires in Denbighshire.

Following concerns raised by the local community, the Council has taken the decision not to proceed with the proposed development at the Marine Drive site at this time. Instead, the focus will now be on fully reinstating the former Balfour Beatty compound, returning the land to open grassland and playing fields and removing all associated compound infrastructure, including fencing.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said, “Having listened to local concerns over recent weeks both from residents and fellow councillors, I have asked officers to pause and reflect on the proposed development at the Marine Drive site.  It will not proceed at this time and we will return the current compound back to its original condition as soon as it is possible to do so.  I’d like to thank the residents for their time and for voicing their concerns.”

Warren Bennet, speaking on behalf of the Marine Drive residents said, “It was very rewarding to sit with Helen White, Tony Ward and their team to discuss the former Balfour Beatty Construction Compound on Marine Drive. There was much listening and proactive discussion that lead to a unanimous agreement that the playing fields should be reinstated and the blue fence removed. We continue to support the Alex Hospital expansion and the Aires Quay Street Development, and look forward to developing a strong lasting relationship with DCCs officers.”

The Council is still keen to develop motorhome aires throughout the county as it will deliver economic benefits to our towns, boost the tourism offer as well as providing appropriate facilities for motorhome users. Officers had put forward a proposal identifying 6 sites throughout the county. Two sites were identified in Rhyl – one on Marine Drive and the other on Quay Street. One reason Marine Drive was identified as a potential site was to address the existing concern and problem of motorhomes parking illegally opposite residential properties at during the tourist season.

The proposals for the other five motorhome aires will now follow the normal planning procedure which will include an opportunity for the public to comment. These sites will provide short stay safe and secure (2 nights maximum) overnight parking for motorhomes. The sites will have facilities to empty wastewater/foul water and to refill a motorhome with fresh water. No BBQ’s will be allowed, no fires will be allowed, no awnings will be allowed, and no tents will be allowed. The motorhome bays will be basic, hardstanding areas purely for short stay use only.