Councillors have voted in favour of a site visit before deciding whether to back construction plans for Rhyl’s Royal Alexandra Hospital. Members of Denbighshire ’s planning committee voted 14-3 this week in favour of visiting the site following concerns raised by residents and Cllr Justine Evans. The application relates to a Construction Method Statement connected to permission already granted for the new £33m three-storey hospital development at the Royal Alexandra Hospital on Marine Drive. The debate took place at Denbighshire County Council’s Ruthin County Hall HQ. Full planning permission was granted to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in December 2025 for the erection of a three-storey hospital building and parking. But the latest planning application relates to how the new hospital buildings can be built off-site. North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox The new hospital sections are being built in a factory and shipped in to keep construction at the Royal Alexandra efficient. If the plans get the go ahead, because the hospital grounds are so small, the workers’ toilets, kitchen, and main parking would be located across the road at the former Coastal Defence Construction Compound – commonly known as the “Balfour Beatty” compound on Marine Drive. The “welfare facilities” are described as “five cabins with five cabins stacked on top of them to be located towards the rear part of the site”. To further avoid crowding the area, extra staff parking would also be handled off-site at the local Pavilion Theatre overflow. Officers advised the committee to approve the plans. But residents have objected on the grounds of visual intrusion, noise, disruption, and the effect on open space and coastal character. Concerns were also raised by neighbours about potential traffic accidents and the long-term reinstatement of the land. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Justine Evans proposed councillors deferred the application and first took part in a site visit. “Myself and all the residents here today understand the importance of investment in hospital infrastructure; however, supporting a hospital development does not mean every associated development proposal should automatically be accepted, regardless of its impact on neighbouring residents. “Planning decisions must be based on complete information, proper scrutiny, and full understanding of the impact on the surrounding area. At present, I do not feel the committee is in a position to make a fully informed decision, particularly given that no site visit has taken place.” Planning committee members then agreed to carry out a site visit before the application returns for debate at a future meeting. Funded by the Welsh Government, the new purpose-built facility will include a minor injuries unit capable of treating more than 20,000 people a year and will ease pressure on Ysbyty Glan Clwyd’s emergency department nearby. A 14-bed ready-to-go-home reablement unit will also be part of the new building. It will bring together NHS and social care teams to provide care for people returning home after medical and surgical treatment in hospital. Radiology services will be expanded in Rhyl and four new dental suites will improve access to NHS care. There will also be an increase in training opportunities for dental nurses. WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

Original source: gb