Planners Back Disputed Gwynedd Beach Footpath Used for Generations
A footpath in Nefyn, Gwynedd, long used by locals, gains support from planners for official recognition
Nefyn, Gwynedd, Footpath, Planning, Public Access
Nefyn: There’s been some buzz about a footpath in this seaside village. Locals say they’ve been using it for ages, and now planners are backing it. The planning committee of Cyngor Gwynedd decided to support a request to officially recognize this coastal route.
This application is all about getting the footpath registered on the Definitive Map, which is a big deal. It started back in December 2018 when Councillor Gruffydd Williams first put it forward, and then they made some changes in November 2021.
At a recent meeting, they did mention that if they approved it, there could be some serious costs involved if someone decided to appeal. Apparently, it could lead to a public inquiry, which could cost the council a pretty penny.
But here’s the thing: there were 28 statements from locals backing the footpath, saying they’ve been using it since way back in the 1930s. The path starts at a junction and leads down to a lovely sandy beach, passing by some beach huts along the way.
Some council folks argued that part of the path doesn’t have clear boundaries, so they claimed it doesn’t really exist. They also said it was mainly used by boat owners and beach hut owners, not the general public.
To make their case, the public would need to show they’ve been using the path without any challenges for 20 years. But local member Cllr Rhys Tudor shared some old photos showing people using the path for years, which really helped their case.
He pointed out that many locals have walked this path since childhood, and property owners even said they never tried to stop anyone from using it. The council’s solicitor warned that they might lose if it went to an investigation, which could cost a lot.
Despite the warnings, the committee voted to approve the footpath’s recognition. Cllr Louise Hughes emphasized that this path has been enjoyed by families for generations, and it’s about time it gets the official nod.
In the end, the vote went through with seven in favor and five against. It looks like this beloved path in Nefyn is finally getting the recognition it deserves!