Truck stops plan 'in wrong place'

Flintshire councillors will consider the plans on Wednesday

Plans to set up two truck stops and a business park off the A55 dual carriageway in Flintshire should be rejected say planning officials.

The proposals for the Caerwys junction would provide secure parking for up to 59 vehicles along with a cafe, refuelling facilities and warehousing.

There were also plans to develop a truck stop on a neighbouring site.

But officials say the sites are in inappropriate rural locations and 2,000 residents have signed a petition.

The plans for Penycefn Road towards Caerwys have been submitted by the Euroroute Consortium, led by businessman Dai Owen.

Mostyn Estates wanted to develop the neighbouring sites at Crossways Road with space for 36 lorries, five coaches, seven caravans and trailers, and 120 cars. A cafe, shop, creamery and petrol station were also part of the plans.

Flintshire councillors will consider both applications on Wednesday and officials are recommending that both should be rejected.

Protest group

They say that they are inappropriate in rural locations, on sites of historic importance and against planning policies.

A residents' protest group have campaigned against the plans and have handed in petitions signed by more than 2,000 people.

Local community councillors and conservationists have also opposed the plans and say that they are important for wildlife including skylarks, curlew, yellowhammer, snipe and tree sparrow.

But both applicants say that a secure truck facility by itself would not be viable and the supporting developments are absolutely necessary.

They also argue there are no purpose designed facilities between Lymm, Warrington and Holyhead on Anglesey and lay-bys used by drivers for their statutory rest periods create a major problem.

The Freight Transport Association said the development of a quality lorry park close to the A55 was long overdue.