An almost empty new-build estate in Brynteg, Anglesey, has sparked anger due to rules that prevent the homes from being sold to permanent residents. Fourteen of the 16 houses at Parc Delfryn, located two miles from the Anglesey coast, have remained unsold since 2023.
Planning restrictions, imposed before construction, mean the properties can only be sold as holiday homes. A challenge to these rules was unsuccessful, with Anglesey council stating that changing them would "set a dangerous precedent" for other holiday home approvals on the island.
One estate agent involved in selling the properties reported no viewings on the development for approximately 18 months. PLanD development consultants stated that at least 37 families, mostly local to Anglesey, had inquired about buying the properties as homes.
PLanD planning consultant Simon James suggested that recent council tax changes for second homes in Wales have "killed the holiday home market." PLanD has confirmed it will appeal against the council's decision to refuse a change of use for the properties to residential.
The council acknowledged residents' comments but stated that the applicant needed to provide evidence that the approved holiday accommodation scheme was no longer financially viable. They added that a "detailed" viability assessment was requested "on a number of occasions" but was not provided, preventing them from supporting the application.