COUNCILLORS have recommended refusal for an ambitious development due to concerns over its visual impact.

A plan for 30 new apartments and the demolition of Northcliffe cottage met with opposition at Penarth Town Council's planning committee.

The plans submitted by Penarth company Celtic Developments were subject to a site visit by town councillors last Wednesday.

Following that, councillors agreed unanimously to recommend a rejection for the application.

Members said they were worried that the development would exceed the ridge height and adversely affect the view of Penarth from Cardiff.

Concerns were also raised about the effect a development in the area could have on a heavily wooded area and the potential existence of a bat colony in the area.

Councillor Rosemary Cook also said she was worried about the potential removal of mature trees and the potential destabilisation of the land - which has a tree protection order (TPO) upon it.

Cllr Gwyn Roberts added:"I also worry that it might dominate the existing Customs House building. I think most people here are against it."

Cllr Philip Rapier agreed highlighting the visual impact the apartment blocks could have and saying there would be a depreciation of the unique "vista" that characterises Penarth.

Cllr Anthony Ernest raised concerns that the height of the development would protrude over the ridge line of Penarth headland.

Sam Courtney from LRM Planning, the agent for the development, said that the developers were really keen to put together a full development team to consider all aspects of the proposal.

He said: "The uniqueness of the site is well recognised in the supporting documents for the application and shows that the visual impact has been considered.

"The focus is on efficient re-use in the most sustainable way and we are confident the development will nestle well within the landscape framed by existing trees."

Speaking on the subject of the impact on trees in the area, Mr Courtney said that whilst there will need to be some trees removed, they will be compensated for within the development landscaping.

He added: "We have brought in an arborist to carry out an individual assessment and we are aware that there are protected species in the area."

Mr Courtney also said that their ecology survey had found no evidence of a bat colony in the area but that a further survey would be carried out in the spring.

The plans will now go before the Vale of Glamorgan's planning committee who will make the final decision on the application.