Concerns have been raised about how controversial construction plans on a site in Llandudno will impact on a historically important mine site.

The Ty Gwyn Mine coffin levels run directly underneath North Road behind the Llandudno Pier, right up to the border of the proposed Pier Pavilion site.

Debbie Wareham, part of the Maritime Heritage Social Enterprise and Charity, has raised concerns the Pier Pavilion development planned could impact on the Ty Gwyn Mine, a site she said had national and local importance.

Mrs Wareham said the copper mining industry was very important economically to early Llandudno and with all evidence of the above ground mine workings removed, and all open access locations to the underground mine system filled in the preservation of Ty Gwyn was vital.

In an interview with the Pioneer, she said: "The underground mine workings show us the 'print' the early inhabitants of Llandudno left on the landscape during this time.

"The mine workings of the Ty Gwyn are largely intact and contain a number of artefacts such as miners pipes, a tram wheel, clogg prints, powder store.

"But also, the structure of the mine itself tells us a lot of about how the Ty Gwyn mine was developed.

"It is known that there are lower levels to the mines here that have never been explored, so there is a lot we still do not know.

" If these mines are disturbed during this development there is potentially a whole part of history we may never find out about.

"What is also important to remember is that these mine workings contribute to the cultural identity of our community, and that is very important not only for people here today, but for future generations to learn about."

Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) have taken notice of the mine site and included a consideration into the planning permission given to developer Alan Waldron.

The planning permission document provided by CCBC said development is unable to commence until a "detailed scheme" is submitted to the local planning authority showing construction will have no impact on the Ty Gwyn Mine.

Developers will also need to undertake a structural survey and provide an action plan to address any potential risk damage.

Mr Waldron said he has already visited the Ty Gwyn Mines and was working to make sure they ticked all the correct boxes before work commenced on the site.

He said: "The project's structural engineer and I have been down Ty Gwyn Mines with the group and obtained drawings of the area.

"They will consider all planning conditions including the mines as the development progresses, which has always been the case."

Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service (GAPS) said the Ty Gwyn mine has been previously recognised as of national importance, as part of a thematic study commissioned by Cadw in 1998 (Gwynedd Archaeological Trust report 291).

While the site is not scheduled, for planning purposes sites of national importance are treated equally whether or not they are scheduled.

GAPS said while it looks likely the mine will remain unaffected by the work carried out on the Pier Pavilion site due to its significance precaution be taken around the construction.