PLANS to make a sixth-century well into a tourist attraction have moved a step closer to fruition.

A planning application has now been lodged with Denbighshire County Council to restore St Dyfnog’s Well at Llanrhaeadr, near Denbigh, which is currently hidden in a wooded valley.

For many years access has been along a muddy, overgrown footpath but in 2012 Cymdeithas Cadwraeth Llanrhaeadr YC Preservation Society decided to make it more accessible.

As time went on its potential as a visitor attraction was recognised, and so grants were obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the rural enterprise agency Cadwyn Clwyd.

St Dyfnog was a sixth century saint who was said to have done penance by standing under the waterfall in a shirt with a belted chain.

By the mediaeval period the well was among the most renowned Welsh holy wells, attracting large numbers of pilgrims, and its waters were said to be good for the healing of arthritis, skin complaints and even deafness.

The planning application now lodged by historic building specialists Tim Ratcliffe Associates, provides for a gravel path to make the site more accessible, even for the disabled.

It is also proposed to create a weir at the west end of the well to raise the water level, especially during the summer months, and to erect interpretation panels.

In a design and access statement supporting the application, consultants say: “The challenge of improving and access and intellectual accessibility for both new and existing audiences does necessitate change and will alter some heritage qualities that have become familiar during the last 50 years or so.

“However, St Dyfnog’s Well has under gone considerable change historically as fashions and fortunes have fluctuated.

"The design proposals seek in part to improve the experience of visitors by also broadening their understanding and appreciation of both its built and natural heritage.”