The ongoing dispute surrounding access to the I’m A Celebrity castle in Conwy has seemingly reached a resolution, overcoming years of contention that jeopardized a multi-million-pound restoration project. The council’s general licensing committee made a pivotal decision on January 26, voting narrowly—5 to 4—against an application for public rights of way that would have established four routes across the castle grounds.
This contentious issue intensified after public access was halted in the spring of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside the construction of fences during the filming of ITV's I’m A Celebrity series. Local councillor Andrew Wood spearheaded the effort to revive access, expressing his intention to ensure that a privilege enjoyed by the community for decades was not lost.
However, the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust (GCPT) opposed this initiative, advocating instead for "reasonable" public access throughout the estate while proposing alternative pathways that would not jeopardize the castle's integrity. This disagreement highlighted the delicate balance between public enjoyment and the preservation of historical sites.
Furthermore, a separate application seeking Village Green status for a significant portion of the estate remains pending. This status would ostensibly reserve the land for local recreational activities; however, given the council’s recent decision, there are indications that this application might also be withdrawn. The GCPT expressed concern over the substantial legal expenses incurred due to prolonged disputes, which have cost taxpayers and the trust hundreds of thousands of pounds without yielding any tangible benefits for the public.
In a statement, the trust emphasized their commitment to redirecting these resources toward conservation efforts and educational programs that would benefit the community at large. They noted, "The DMMO and Village Green applications have generated confusion and division rather than clarity, leading to significant financial strain on all involved parties."
Amidst all this, GCPT announced a positive development for the castle itself, stating that nearly £3.5 million has been raised in just the last two years. With full planning permissions secured and major restoration efforts set to commence soon, the organization is optimistic about the castle’s future.
They expressed hope that with the conclusion of this latest debate, all stakeholders could shift from confrontational approaches to collaborative solutions that foster community unity. The trust remains open to dialogue, emphasizing responsible access while prioritizing the successful preservation and sustainable future of Gwrych Castle.
While 239 individuals submitted supportive evidence for the DMMO and Village Green applications, there was also considerable opposition, stemming from fears that unrestricted access could lead to increased vandalism and trespassing, ultimately threatening the restoration mission.
Once a neglected structure for almost thirty years, the Grade-I listed Gwrych Castle was acquired by the GCPT in 2018 and has since seen locals utilizing its grounds for various recreational activities. When restrictions were imposed, many residents sought clarification on how access would evolve.
The GCPT clarified that while public access to woodland areas has never been contested, controlled access to the castle's immediate surroundings is critical for its restoration and long-term sustainability. They stated, "We want to emphasize that we have never opposed reasonable public access to the wider estate; rather, we have actively engaged in discussions to find mutually beneficial alternatives.
An alternative route, which avoids the castle’s immediate vicinity, has been proposed and accepted in principle, allowing continued access while safeguarding the castle's structural integrity and safety."
A decision regarding the Village Green application is still pending, creating some uncertainty for the GCPT. They believe that the council's legal assessment—that the requested rights of way do not hold legal standing—will likely apply to the Village Green request as well, potentially complicating attempts to contest the recent ruling or escalate it to a public inquiry, especially given the associated financial risks for the appellant.
Should the Village Green status be granted, it could prevent any restoration work from taking place. The GCPT explained that both this status and the public right of way applications would essentially compartmentalize the estate into isolated sections, undermining its function as a cohesive visitor attraction.
In light of these developments, the trustees of Gwrych Castle are hopeful that these issues can be resolved amicably. They acknowledged that while access remains available in many areas, including statutory and permissive routes, the lack of clear communication has led to frustration and division among the community.
They stated, "It is essential to unite the community and move forward together. To facilitate this, we are preparing clear and accessible information outlining where access is allowed and how to responsibly enjoy the woodland. This will also detail the reasons why certain sensitive sections around the castle require protection for safety and conservation purposes, aiming to provide reassurance and clarity to those who have been seeking it."
Currently, public access to the woodland at Gwrych is facilitated via Llanddulas, and in the future, the GCPT hopes to establish a new route connecting the woodland to Abergele.
