THE owner of Llandudno Pier has pledged to protect his tenants after a developer proposed changes to the structure’s kiosks.

Alan Waldron has offered to move kiosks in front of the pier pavilion to a new location behind the columns of the site as part of plans to construct a combination of underground car parking, commercial floorspace and residential units.

But pier owner Adam Williams warned the relocation of the kiosks would 'most definitely' affect business on the pier.

He said: ”If we lose these kiosks there are a number of people who could lose their business. I have a responsibility to my tenants to look after their wellbeing and their future.

"Until negotiations have begun we have no intention of moving the kiosks at present.”

Mr Waldron said: “There is no requirement for the kiosks to be removed from the pier entrance.

“The kiosks that legally should be moved are the ones in front of the columns on the pavilion site but I have offered to drop them back behind the columns so the pier owner won't lose any revenue and it will expose the columns and therefore make it more aesthetically pleasing.”

Images showing designs for the new building released by Creu Architecture earlier this month were criticised by Pioneer readers on social media.

A spokesperson for Creu Architecture said: “Conwy Planning and Conservation Departments, Cadw, The Design Commission for Wales and local councillors have all been consulted from an early stage and have influenced the design of the proposed development on the former Pavilion Site.

“Clear direction was given through consultation that the proposal should not attempt to copy the Victorian detailing of the surrounding buildings and that it should stand independently as a modern building with its own identity and Architectural character.”

Adam Williams said he also has concerns about how the development as a whole could impact on the pier. 

He said: “The extreme scenarios are that the pier could lose income and not be able to afford its maintenance so it could have to shut down, or we may have to charge people to go on the pier to make up the lost income, which I’ve never wanted to do.”

Mr Williams said he has also erected a fence between the pier and the pavilion site for health and safety reasons, in order to enclose a fire escape route for his businesses.