Wealthy second homeowners have been slapped with accusations of "blocking" houses for locals in a sleepy seaside town.
Plans to build 30 affordable homes on a central car park in New Quay, Wales have now been postponed for a third time.
Local traders fear economic damage from reduced parking capacity, while supporters of affordable housing have argued that opposition stems primarily from second-home owners.
The application had been recommended for conditional approval by Ceredigion council's development management committee after previously being deferred for a site visit.
Plans to build 30 affordable homes on a central car park in New Quay, Wales have now been postponed for a third time
Ceredigion County Council
Barcud - which owns and operates the car park as a commercial enterprise - has proposed keeping 91 of the 315 parking spaces at the Towyn Road site.
Ceredigion Council officers have indicated the left-over spaces could be secured "in perpetuity" if the scheme receives approval.
However, New Quay town council has questioned whether there is sufficient demand for one-bedroom units in the area.
As a result, the local authority has formally objected to the proposals, citing concerns over the loss of parking spaces and potential impact on tourism.
The council also highlighted the lack of public transport in the town to accommodate new residents.
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Meanwhile, New Quay Traders' Association has created an online petition against the scheme, warning of serious economic consequences if the plans were given the green light.
"The car park is central to our local economy and taking away this space will lead to a significant decrease in visitors and tourists," the petition declared. "It's a simple equation. Less parking equals less visitors. Less visitors will impact our economy and cause job losses."
Shortly after the traders launched their petition, a counter-petition emerged which claimed that locals are afraid to support the affordable housing scheme due to "a backlash from second-homers".
"These houses are not intended for second-home ownership or for outsiders but are destined for families and individuals who have always been part of our town's rich tapestry," it said.
The council will make its final decision on May 14
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The petition further reads: "Unfortunately many young families and locals who work and live here have been pushed aside due to tourism and second-homers, often at the expense of our own people."
A Ceredigion Council spokesman explained: "Additional information was provided by the applicant following the last development management committee. This is being assessed and the case will be reported back in due course."
Sara Powell, who represents the traders' association, said they would be "formally requesting that this application is called in for independent review by Welsh Government".
She added: "The loss of this car park poses an existential threat to New Quay's economy and the council's handling of the matter so far has only increased public distrust in the integrity of the process."
The final decision will be made on May 14.
