Despite worries about flooding, a seafront caravan park has been granted authorization to remain open all year.
Despite opposition from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Conwy council approved the plans for Hart's Caravan Park in Pensarn, Abergele.
Due to rising sea levels, NRW issued a warning that flooding could increase by as much as 4 meters (13 feet) over the next 50 years.
While the committee awaited additional reports from NRW, a planning decision was postponed until the new year.
The plans' supporter, Councillor Nigel Smith, stated: "I don't think NRW has realized, or taken into consideration, should I say, that these caravans are actually raised off the ground.
I'm happy to support approving this application, so I'm happy to do so. I believe the additional risk is negligible.
The caravan park on Marine Road had to operate under a number of licenses due to prior planning restrictions, which made it more challenging for the council to oversee, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
As a result, only 10 months of the year could 33 of the park's 78 caravans be used for business, compared to the rest of the year for the remaining 78 caravans.
"It just seems completely unfair," Mr. Smith continued, "that NRW is cutting development in the county's east again, even though I understand they must follow the guidelines. It is not a law; rather, it is only advice.
"I believe that approving this development would be lacking on our part as an authority.
With a unanimous vote in favor of the application, council members approved permission.
Councilors were given the advice by planning officers to reject the plans in accordance with the NRW, so the matter will go back before the committee the following month so that the decision can be reiterated.
