Palé Hall hotel’s plan for eight shepherd huts in its grounds has been rejected.

Gwynedd Council turned down the proposal from the hotel at Llanderfel, Bala.

The application argued the proposal would “support the hotel business”, but sparked concerns about the proximity of the huts to the historic main building, and the impact on protected landscapes and wildlife.

On 7 September, Gwynedd’s planning committee voted in line with the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse the proposal for three shepherd’s huts to the north of the site, nearest to the hotel, and five to the south-west, near a small lake.

They would be within the grounds and outside of any development boundary.

The site was also within the catchment of the River Dee and Llyn Tegid, several special areas of conservation. Part of the site was also on maps for planning flood zones for surface water and small watercourses.

The application prompted concerns from Llandderfel Community Council, who referenced a previous application for the site which was later amended.

They said: “Like the previously submitted application, councillors were of the view the plan was an over-development of the site, particularly as it is close to a unique listed building.”

Natural Resources Wales also “continued to have concerns” due to “inadequate information provided,” and called for “further information from the applicant regarding protected sites and protected species”.

It noted a “confirmed presence of otter” and a “functional connectivity between the site and the River Dee and Bala Lake special area of conservation”.

“Appropriate mitigation measures to ensure otters are not disturbed during construction,” were proposed, and it was advised that conditions be included in any permission.

During the meeting, planning bosses said the recommendation to refuse was “based on policy”.

It stated the main reason was the proposal involved creating a new, permanent alternative camping accommodation site within a special landscape area.