Council permits 44 container storage site at Rhosneigr golf club

Anglesey Golf Club has been permitted to site the storage containers on land at their site. 

A representative for club told island planners that without help to diversify the business was in danger of going under after over a century – with the potential loss of five jobs.

The proposal called for change of use of land to site 44 containers,  39 standard and five small, with landscaping.

Anglesey County Council’s  planning and orders committee agreed to grant the club’s request on a 0.18 hectare, brownfield site on Station Road –  already used for storage and as an overspill car park. Approving the scheme, councillors went against the planning officer’s recommendation.

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Agent Berwyn Owen described the “small and unique” Welsh speaking club, saying it opened its doors to community events. These included fortnightly bingo sessions for the elderly,  lunches for staff from RAF Valley and hosting funeral teas. It had held fund-raising events for charities and organisations.

“Hundreds of local people have literally enjoyed what we have on offer,  a number enjoy playing golf, or like me, just losing their golf balls,” Mr Owen joked.

“The club has existed for 110 years,  this is down to our members, green keepers, staff and volunteers, who work to keep the club a fine and welcoming place.” He said.

“But like other local amenities the club is struggling. The handful of members can’t afford large membership fees, and the building  needs repairs.

“Unless we diversify, the golf club may not be here this time next year. This would be a big loss to our community.” Mr Owen said.

“The only way to save the club is to diversify. I speak as a concerned individual, although I am the agent, as someone who has lived in Anglesey all my life, there’s a lot at stake here. I urge you, as the planing committee to support us as we fight to keep this sport and community resource, not only for those who enjoy it today but hopefully, for those who might enjoy it in years to come.

He noted there had  been 34 letters of support and two objections.

The land where the Anglesey Golf Club at Rhosneigr wants to put storage facilities Image Google Map

Planning officer Rhys Jones said committee members undertook a site visit on June 19. The site was outside the development boundary of Rhosneigr, and near a touring and static caravan to the north and a  track at the rear of the site led to the RAF Valley viewing area car park.

Policy criteria had required “compelling evidence” showing the need for the development, but had not been supplied. It was not considered to be of a “scale and type of development acceptable in this prominent location. It brings an industrial element to open countryside.”  He said. It would be visible from the A480, and could be “highly intrusive” visually.

The recommendation was to refuse.

But Cllr Douglas Fowlie said: “The events they put on in the golf club, you go there any day of the week and you hear Welsh language. It’s very important. The site is between caravans, the golf club, a sports club, builders’ yard, train track, and a runway, I would not call it ‘open country-side’.

“It ‘s a non-profit organisation, with no shares. It’s at the heart of the community in Rhosneigr, and islanders, it was started over 100 years ago.”

In reply, Mr Jones said it was  felt that the site was “not appropriate” for 44 containers. He added: “The land is flat, it’s a popular area for tourists, it’s close to the coast,  visible, and…it will take years for trees to grow”.

He said it would bring “an industrial element to the open countryside, where tourists visit”.

He sympathised with the club’s situation, and although the club’s future was “an important consideration” no evidence was presented to show the golf club was experiencing  financial difficulty.” He said.

Cllr Neville Evans said: “Businesses are applauded for diversity to continue. That is what they are trying to do.”

He had been in discussion with Golf Wales, and read a letter from Dylan Griffiths, who sent his “full support” for the club and its application.

His letter said: “Unfortunately, secondary income has become crucial and paramount to the sustainability of some of our golf clubs.”

Councillor Evans proposed accepting the application, seconded by Cllr Jeff Evans. It was approved with seven votes in favour.