We don't want it here, say residents fighting motorhome parking plan

A green space in a north Wales town could be turned into an overnight carpark for motorhomes - sparking fears among residents it could spoil the seafront.

The plan for Marine Drive (East Parade) in Rhyl could boost tourism and tackle unauthorised overnight stays linked to "illegal camping", said Denbighshire council.

But locals argued the earmarked land was an important community space enjoyed by many.

Warren Bennett, who lives on Marine Drive, said it was "a wonderful buffer between the sea and the housing district of Rhyl".

"We don't want it here. It is public open space. It is green fields, it is where people play, it is where they walk their dogs," he said.

Bennett said the grassland on the seafront was an area the Welsh government had previously said should be protected.

He added: "This isn't a commercial district. This isn't anywhere you can spend money - this is just a residential zone."

Rhyl councillor Brian Jones also raised concerns and suggested the parking site could be placed elsewhere.

"There are better places on the promenade to put it, for example the Quay Street car park," he said.

"If you put a motorhome park there, you'll impair the beautiful sea view that residents and visitors currently enjoy."

The council said it was progressing plans for a network of motorhome "Aire" sites across the county, including the location on Marine Drive.

Proposals include developing six sites, with facilities for short stays of up to two nights, alongside basic services such as waste disposal and fresh water.

It said it hoped the plans would "reduce environmental and social issues" linked to "illegal camping" and the bays would be for short-stay use only.

Paul Jackson, head of highways and environmental services, said: "We know that the use of motorhomes has increased, especially since the pandemic where everybody took staycations in the UK.

"The project's innovative proposals will help provide great facilities for those wishing to travel across Denbighshire and provide a fantastic boost for tourism and businesses where these sites are located, once they come online."

The authority said the scheme would be funded by both the Welsh and UK governments.

The proposed sites include:

• Quay Street, Rhyl (Corner section of currently closed car park, with remaining area allocated to coach parking)

• Marine Drive (East Parade), Rhyl (Small area to be allocated close to Pavilion)

• Barkby Beach, Prestatyn (Lower car park adjacent to public convenience)

• Park Street, Ruthin (Small section of current car park)

• Green Lane, Corwen (A small number of bays along current car park exit road)

• Mill Street, Llangollen (Small section of lower car park along retaining wall to upper car park)