THERE has been another step regarding developments of an iconic Vale of Clwyd site.

The process of compulsory purchasing the former North Wales Hospital, in Denbigh, has taken a significant step forward.

Denbighshire County Council has served a General Vested Declaration, a legal document on the owners of the site, Freemont (Denbigh) Ltd.

There is a ‘stand-still’ legal period of a minimum of 28 days and it is hoped that the site’s freehold will be transferred to the council immediately after this period.

In April, Denbighshire firm Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK - in partnership with the North Wales Building Preservation Trust - were selected by Denbighshire County Council to take ownership of the site, once the CPO process was completed.

Jones Bros is proposing a predominantly housing led redevelopment on the site.

Denbighshire County Councillor leader Cllr Hugh Evans said: “This is one of the final pieces of the jigsaw and the finishing line is within touching distance.

“We made a firm commitment from day one to protect this historic Grade 2* listed building and that commitment has not changed.

“We have faced significant challenges with this site and the council has spent a significant amount of time, effort and money over the years, to protect the site from further dereliction, such is the importance of the site."

Cllr Evans added: “The council has been committed to obtaining the land / buildings through the CPO process, so that we could transfer the land to a suitable developer.

"The decision to transfer the site to Jones Bros was made in April this year and that was a significant development in itself.

“We fully recognise the importance of the site to local people and we want to ensure that the development of the site provides the most important listed buildings with a sustainable future whilst benefiting both the economy and local community in terms of jobs and housing.”