Hobbyist seeking retrospective permission to turn shed into workshop to restore vintage motor cars

Applicant James Davies of Pabo Nurseries, Llangwstenin, wants to change the shed into the workshop for the restoration of vintage motor cars for private hobby use and partial external re-cladding. This application is for retrospective planning permission.

The site is based in Llandudno Junction.

A Planning Supporting Statement states: “In June 2009 the current owners obtained permission from Conwy Council for the change of use of part of the nursery into a stonemason’s yard for a temporary period of three years. Permanent change of use was granted in May 2020 under 0/47247. During the determination of this application by the local planning authority, it came to light that a building at the nurseries was in use as a workshop by an individual who was using the space to restore vintage motor cars. Conwy Council’s enforcement team undertook an investigation and the outcome was the landowner was advised to apply for a CLEUD for consideration.

“However it was not possible to provide that the use had taken place uninterrupted for 10 years or more due to the lack of appropriate evidence.

“Consequently, in March 2021 an application for retrospective planning permission was made in an attempt to regularise the planning situation.”

The application attracted a number of representations from neighbours in its consultation period. Concerns included: amenity to properties on Pabo Lane, traffic generation, lawfulness of the current workshop building and intensity of use.

The planning support document clarifies the workshop is to be used “solely” by a Ray Dyche to facilitate his private hobby of restoring vintage motor cars and no other advertised commercial garage or trade use for (or by any other individual) will take place there.

Conwy County Borough Council’s Planning Committee will discuss the application on July 14 during the virtual meeting at 2pm.

It recommended members grant conditional planning permission.