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A bid to develop an area which locals say is much used for walking and bird watching has run into opposition.

Landowner Prestatyn Estates has applied for Y Morfa in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, to be redesignated as a site for "mixed use" for future development.

But local people say it is a valuable habitat for wildlife.

Prestatyn Estates said locals would have "every opportunity" to comment on plans when they are available.

Adrian Lloyd Jones from the North Wales Wildlife Trust said: "The area has high biodiversity.

"It's very good for snipe in the winter," he said. "One hundred snipe have been counted there at certain times of the year.

"It's also a good place for other breeding birds like sedge warblers, grasshopper warblers and whitethroat."

"Water voles have also been seen there," he said.

'Uncommon plants'

Plants such as celery leaved buttercup, lesser and greater pond sedge and water dropwort are also to be found on the site.

"These are uncommon plants," Mr Jones said.

"We would be opposed to any development of the site that would be detrimental to its wildlife."

Prestatyn councillor Peter Duffy said: "I am worried.

"When I was a kid I used to play there and my children used to play there.

"We want the site to be given to the town of Prestatyn," he said.

There are also concerns about flooding as areas of water often develop on the site in winter.

A spokersperson for land owners Prestatyn Estates said it was in the early stages of being advised on planning matters.

"There will be every opportunity for the public to comment on the plans when they're made available," he said.