A college has defended its plans to build 15 new homes near its Pwllheli campus following concerns from local residents.

Outline planning permission has been given to Grwp Llandrillo Menai to build 15 new homes on a former hockey pitch at Allt Salem, but several local residents are concerned about the increase in traffic on Allt Salem, saying the hill currently is an ‘accident waiting to happen’.

Jennifer Marland, who lives near by, said: “The hill is already dangerous without this increase in traffic. Students walk down the hill every day and it is dangerous.”

The college responded this week, with a spokesperson on behalf of Grwp Llandrillo Menai saying: “In order to continue to equip local people with world-class skills and qualifications, Grwp Llandrillo Menai is delivering an ambitious £90 million programme of investment in new facilities over five years.

“These major plans will directly benefit learners in North West Wales.

“To afford these exciting developments we must raise funds by seeking appropriate grant funding and we must also look at our own assets and consider the potential future sale of land that we strategically do not need for training facilities.

“To maximise the value of the Grwp’s land at Allt Salem, Pwllheli, we sought - and were granted - outline planning permission for 15 homes on the land earlier in 2019.

“The process of seeking planning permission was conducted to the highest standards of diligence and was in accordance with all statutory requirements, including a public consultation held in autumn 2018.

“Our application was presented, considered and subsequently granted in full accordance with the local democratic process.

“Every penny we make by selling the land at Allt Salem will be invested in excellent teaching facilities for our students.”