PLANS for a controversial truck stop will be resubmitted in a matter of weeks.

Applicant, J. D. Owen Transport Services, withdrew the application for a truck parking site on Crossways Road, Caerwys, at the 11th hour.

It had been due to go before Flintshire Council’s planning committee on Wednesday where it had been recommended for refusal, and more than 70 protesters had been due to descend on County Hall to show their opposition.

But a spokesman for the firm said a fresh application for a truck stop is due to be submitted within weeks.

He added: “A copy of the chief planning officer’s report to the committee dealing with the proposed secure truck parking facility was received by the applicant and his agent on Friday, May 6.

“The report acknowledged that there was a demonstrable need for such a facility, that the location close to Junction 31 of the A55 was appropriate and hence that in principle the proposal was in accordance with UDP (Unitary Development Plan) policy.

“However, the local planning authority considered that they did not have adequate information in order to conclude that a safe access could be provided to serve the development.

“Although the applicant’s technical advisers remain strongly of the opinion that the level of information supplied with the application is more than adequate to demonstrate that a safe access can be provided, the applicant decided that it would be appropriate to seek to address the concerns of the planning authority.

“As a result, it was necessary for the application to be temporarily withdrawn to enable these additional technical assessments to be completed.”

He added: “Upon completion of the additional technical work, and review of the other issues raised in the report to committee, the application will be resubmitted. It is expected that this will occur within a matter of weeks.”

A convoy, including a 60-seater coach and scores residents in their own vehicles was called off at the last minute as the news circulated.

Caerwys town councillor Michael Moriarty, head of Caerwys Town Council’s planning committee, said there was widespread opposition to the plans.

Opponents claim it would have a detrimental impact on the location and the environment and they say there are more appropriate locations for the facility along the A55.