LOCALS have slammed claims their picturesque seaside village is being turned into Benidorm – insisting it’s more like the French Riviera.
A new luxury hotel, spa and apartments complex under construction at upmarket Abersoch in Wales is at the heart of the claims, with critics online dubbing it an eyesore this week.
They compared the development on the Lleyn Peninsula of Gwynedd to buildings you might find at the Spanish hotspot loved by Brits - with one describing it as a “carbuncle" on the landscape.
But locals have fiercely defended the area - where sandy beaches, boutiques, and restaurants, make it a favourite destination among the rich and famous.
One businessman told The Sun Online: "Abersoch is chic and the area has more the beauty of the south of France than a grotty Spanish resort.
"The hotel isn’t finished yet, so it’s too early to pass judgement on how it will finally look, but it’s much better than leaving the site an eyesore.
Read More News
“I don’t have a problem with it, at all.”
Neil McGill, 61, agreed, adding: "I’m for it. They are saying the right things.
"They want to make it accessible to locals to use the facilities.
"I hope they are successful. I think there’s a market for a hotel in the village.”
Homes in Abersoch sell for millions of pounds, with Bradley Cooper and Bear Grylls among A-listers known to have graced the area.
In recent years a beach hut in Abersoch had an asking price of £250,000 – higher than the typical cost of a house elsewhere in Gwynedd.
It also has a microclimate which means it’s often sunnier and milder than elsewhere in Britain.
One local worker told The Sun: "I don’t see any similarities between Abersoch and Benidorm.
"The hotel will probably help the local economy and provide work for locals.
“Maybe it will attract more people from overseas.”
Regular visitor Beth Davies, 24, said: "It could probably be compared to Bordeaux, with less wine."
Another woman added: "It's getting more like Monaco with the million-pound houses."
During the holiday season, the “Cheshire set” descend in their droves in 4x4s and other expensive cars, often staying in smart second homes.
Some enjoy sailing and jet-skiing while others enjoy a glass of beer or wine on their beach hut terraces.
But come winter, the village streets can become almost empty of people, because so many properties are used as holiday homes.
It’s hoped the hotel will boost the number of out-of-season visitors.
Beth noted: "If it will bring more people to the area I don’t see it as a bad thing, especially as many people don’t have the money to go abroad.
"A lot of people are staying at home.
"Hopefully it will bring jobs to the village.”
Not everyone, however, feels the same.
One neighbour complained the £34 million complex was an “eyesore” and questioned how it got planning permission.
He claimed Abersoch was “struggling” due to Gwynedd council introducing controversial controls on new second homes and holiday lets.
Some property owners have been worried about how the rules will affect sales.
The man, who wouldn’t be named, said: “Hospitality businesses are struggling already.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"It will be interesting to see how the hotel survives.”
The Sun has approached the property developers and council for comment.
