AROUND 50 people got the opportunity to question the key players in a planning proposal which could help revive Barry Island’s fortunes, last night. (March 4)

Showman Henry Danter and Barry Island Property Company (BIPC) representative Aidan Lynch addressed a meeting of FocusBARRY members and visitors giving an insight into the behind-the-scene dealings surrounding the drive to restore the Barry Island Pleasure Park to its glory days.

Their appearance followed the Vale Council’s announcement that proposals to establish residential and commercial units, on the site of the Dolphin bar, would be considered at the authority’s planning committee meeting on Thursday, March 12.

Negotiations between Vale planners and BIPC had reached stalemate following disagreements over the S106 – the contribution to the community as a condition of planning.

BIPC argued that in adapting its proposals to include commercial units, at the council’s request, and the regeneration benefits the whole scheme could bring, negated the need for further financial contributions.

But the authority has insisted the developer pay.

The fairground, which can operate without planning permission at the site, has a history of being used for the purpose, can only go ahead as stated in the Danter/BIPC contract, once planning permission for the residential component is approved.

Mr Danter told the public he had agreed a 125 year lease and once permission was granted would buy the freehold for his part of the 4.5 acre site for £1.

He said he was hoping to bring 10 rides to the Island in time for Easter and eventually include indoor facilities in a 26,000 square foot area.

Local people would be employed, but required to meet the high standards the Danters expect at their other attractions in the UK.

The park would be open from 9am to 10pm every day with an indoor activity provision.

Mr Danter said: “It’s not at its best at the moment. It’s a challenge to myself and my family.

“We are not going to create miracles, but we can do the impossible!"

He said tourist trade was on the up with the area still able to attract crowds.

“People from all over the country used to come to Barry Island.

“We can’t wait to get started. It’s our job to make sure we put on a good show for you.

“It’s been the biggest challenge of my life and the hardest deal I’ve ever done in my life

“It’s not a good enough attraction. You need a damn good funfair. That’s what we hope to achieve."

Mr Danter said it had been stalemate for 10 years and he didn't want that to continue for another decade.

“We are knocking all our heads against a wall. We can’t go on like this. It’s time now.

"We are going to make this the best place in Wales, you’ve got my word on it.”

BIPC representative Aidan Lynch gave audience members the background behind efforts to bring the site back into use and enable owners to get a satisfactory deal.

He explained the effects of cinema operators and other leisure operators not wanting to invest at the same time as the economy saw a downturn.

He described Henry Danter as a “thoroughbred” in the industry. The fairground would be the number two attraction, after the beach, benefitting all traders with increased visitor numbers.

Mr Lynch said: “It’s been 10 years trying to get something happen on the Barry Island site. The client brief was ‘just get something to happen on this site’. "The council asked us to put commercial into the ground floor. We didn’t particularly want to do that. It will take 40 years to recover that money.

“In the last week we’ve had negotiations. I am quite hopeful that will now conclude it. I’ve been instructed to move everything possible to get Henry on site.

“Henry isn’t here just for today and tomorrow. He’s here forever.”

The planning committee will consider the Barry Island Pleasure Park proposal at the Civic Offices at 6pm on Thursday, March 12.