A chalet development on the outskirts of Ruthin has been given the go-ahead against planning officers’ advice.

Powerline Property Ltd, the company behind the development at Fron Haul, Llanfwrog, argued that Denbighshire council’s own study last year had revealed a shortage of tourist accommodation in the town.

The company, which also runs the Feathers Inn in Ruthin, said that there was a particular need for accommodation for groups attending weddings and other events, but officers said the study’s findings related to serviced accommodation.

Cllr Huw Hilditch Roberts told the planning committee that Ruthin Craft C entre was one of the best in the country and 80,000 people a year visited the town’s ancient jail.

“But they then have to drive away from the town to Chester, Wrexham or wherever. There is a definite demand,” he said.

The chalets – one in a converted building and three new buildings – will have two storeys, slate roofs and balconies which, according to the officers, meant they were more akin to new houses than chalets and, being two kilometres outside the town, could not be considered as a town development.