Pwllheli residents living near an old hockey pitch where 15 new homes have been proposed have spoken of their worries.

Outline planning permission was given to Grwp Llandrillo Menai to build 15 new homes on a former hockey pitch at Allt Salem last month, but several local residents say this is the first time they had heard about the proposals.

They are concerned the increase in traffic 15 new homes will bring will put lives at risk on nearby Penrallt hill, which they say is already dangerous and 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.

“Pwllheli Town Council has already voiced concerns about the hazard Allt Salem poses. 

“In 2015 a public discussion took place regarding the already heavy traffic at the pinch point at the bottom of the hill where it meets the High Street, Gaol Street and Lleyn Street, where cars have been filmed and photographed mounting pavements to the danger of pedestrians.

“Footfall has increased in recent years due to the college now offering vocational courses to secondary school pupils. Younger, more vulnerable pupils from Ysgol Glan y Môr, Botwnnog, Porthmadog, Harlech etc have to walk to and from the college from town for their studies.

“There are no footpaths or pavements on the hill.

“During peak times traffic is often at a standstill at Turnpike so residents and visitors from Abersoch, Mynytho, Llanbedrog, Sarn, Nefyn, Morfa Nefyn and beyond attempt to access Pwllheli using the hill as a diversion into the town.”

A spokesperson on behalf of Grwp Llandrillo Menai said: “In order to continue to equip local people with world-class skills and qualifications, Grwp Llandrillo Menai is delivering an ambitious £90M programme of investment in new facilities over five years.

“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.”

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