Britannia Hotels has confirmed it has met with planning officers at Denbighshire County Council to present pre-application proposals for its closed Pontins site in Prestatyn. The update, provided to North Wales Live, follows months of speculation about the future of the derelict holiday park.
The company closed its sites in Prestatyn and Camber Sands in East Sussex in November 2023, followed by the Southport site at the beginning of 2024. All three sites have remained shut since then.
Pre-application proposals submitted
Britannia confirmed it was preparing pre-application proposals for the Prestatyn site, which were submitted to planning officers towards the end of spring. The company has now met with council officials to present those proposals.
A spokesperson for Britannia Hotels Group said: "We have now met with planning officers at Denbighshire County Council to present pre-application proposals for our Pontins Prestatyn site."
"We're grateful for the positive and constructive comments received. This feedback will inform the next stages of the process as we progress the proposals and work continues to support a positive long-term outcome for the site."
History and speculation
Pontins opened in Southport in May 1969, and in Prestatyn two years later in 1971. For the Prestatyn site, the closures marked the end of more than 50 years of family holiday memories.
Speculation has been rife about what lies ahead, with suggestions ranging from rival holiday operators taking over to reports that asylum seekers might be accommodated there - claims the firm has consistently denied.
MP urges clear plans
Becky Gittins MP, Member of Parliament for Clwyd East, previously stated: "Since being elected, I've engaged directly with Britannia and their representatives to understand their plans and to offer support in helping bring forward a positive future for the site."
"I know how important this location is to Prestatyn - not just economically, but as part of the town's identity and history."
"This site once played a huge role in bringing visitors, jobs and life into the town. People in Prestatyn deserve to see that potential realised again."
She added: "I would now urge Britannia Hotels to move beyond early-stage assessments and set out clear, detailed plans for the future of the site, along with a realistic timeline for delivery, as a matter of urgency. I will continue to engage with them and press for the clarity and progress that local residents expect."
