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A flagship development to transform key buildings in the heart of Rhyl town centre has been recommended for approval by planners.

The Queen's Buildings in cover 2.3 acres, with plans submitted to demolish much of it so a food and market hall to replace the dilapidated Queen's Market can be built, with 16 permanent market stalls and a further six units.

There are also plans for an events space, open areas, sub-station, library and a refurbishment of the Queen's Chambers building.

As part of the package, outline planning approval has also been sought for up to 80 apartments on the site.

An internal audit by revealed this key scheme had been beset by spiralling costs, meaning the budget for the first phase of the scheme had doubled to around £15m.

But planning officers are recommending the scheme gets the green light - with the planning committee at the local authority to consider the proposal next Wednesday.

Planners said: "Having regard to the responses from key consultees, other representations, the planning policies and material considerations, officers consider that the proposal would have a positive impact on the town centre, and deliver a development that is broadly in keeping with the council's policies and guidance, the NDF Future Wales and PPW.

"Given the phased nature of the development in recommending the grant of permission, officers are suggesting the imposition of a range of conditions, and recognise that due consideration would need to be given to the detailing of reserved matters proposals in terms of local impacts and further planning policy requirements."