Families residing in a quaint Welsh coastal town have launched a £6,000 legal effort to prevent the construction of 30 affordable homes, fearing an influx of residents from Birmingham.
New Quay, a charming locale with a population slightly exceeding 1,000, has earned the title of Britain’s premier seaside town. However, locals worry that a proposed housing project could jeopardize its unique character.
Critics of the development are concerned that individuals from Birmingham, situated 140 miles from New Quay, might be drawn to the scenic Welsh coast, potentially bringing urban-related issues like antisocial behavior.
Momentum against the development is building, with over £6,000 raised to fund a legal challenge aimed at halting the project’s progress.
The housing association Barcud, which is spearheading the contentious initiative, requested Ceredigion Council’s approval for a £7.5 million project focused on affordable housing at the site of the town’s Central Car Park.
Projections indicate that the 30 new homes could introduce up to 98 permanent residents, in a town already noted for having 26% of its properties as either second residences or holiday rentals.
Opponents flooded the council’s planning portal with their concerns that the development could trigger a rise in antisocial behaviour.
One argument reportedly claimed that that families would ‘be coming from Birmingham’ should it receive permission.
New Quay, a small town of just over 1,000 people in Wales, has been named Britain’s top seaside town but locals are concerned a new housing development could destroy the character of the area
Pictured: What the development of 30 affordable homes could look like
A GoFundMe set up to save the car park and stop the development has received dozens of donations with some residents donating as much as £300.
It is not only residents who have voiced their opposition to the plans.
The town council argued the removal of parking spaces would affect local traders in a town that depends heavily on tourism – and raised concerns about the necessity for certain types of affordable housing.
The New Quay Traders Association raised ‘significant economic objections’.
They have launched an online change.org petition entitled Save New Quay car park – Protect our future, which hasy 2,500 signatures.
Barcud is now challenging the planning refusal with a plea to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
The GoFundMe campaign, Save New Quay Car Park, West Wales, said: ‘The council’s planning and highways departments supported those plans and recommended approval. Many people were told it was a done deal. The community did not accept that.
Pictured: New Quay’s seafront. Last year, New Quay beat towns including North Berwick in Scotland and Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire to be named the best seaside town in Britain
‘Residents, businesses and supporters came together, gave up their time and made clear what the car park actually means to New Quay.
‘Against the odds, councillors listened and refused the application. It was close, too close, but it proved something important – community action works.
‘Barcud has now appealed. Once again, public money, our money, is being used to pay lawyers and consultants to try to overturn a democratic decision. A significant amount of public money has already been wasted on this scheme, and more is now being spent.’
Last year, New Quay beat towns including North Berwick in Scotland and Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire to be named the best seaside town in Britain.
New Quay, population 1,000, was named Britain’s top seaside town – ahead of North Berwick in Scotland and Looe in Cornwall.
Holiday Car who presented the award praised the location, saying: ‘Victorian terraced houses tumble down to New Quay’s main sandy bay, which is typically dotted with kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards, and families building sandcastles.
‘New Quay is a small but buzzy town, yet not completely overrun with tourists, so it’s a happy medium for those who seek relaxation but not isolation.
‘The harbour is a popular boat trip jumping-off point, with sailboats taking visitors out on dolphin-spotting, seal-spotting, and fishing trips.
‘Days end with spectacular over-the-water sunsets and, of course, fish and chips.’
