THE Clwyd West MS, Darren Millar, has sent a letter to the Welsh Government’s deputy minister for arts and sport, asking her to intervene to prevent a prominent historical building in Rhos-on-Sea from being lost.

Developers Commercial Development Management last month announced proposals for the property, at 57 Marine Drive, to be knocked down and replaced with five apartments and a car parking space.

The property in question is a large art deco private home situated on the route of the Rhos-on-Sea Heritage Walk on the promenade.

A spokesperson for Cadw, a Welsh Government service protecting historic buildings and structures, confirmed on November 18 that a request to make the property a listed building is still in progress.

Some weeks ago, Mr Millar wrote to Conwy County Borough Council to object to the plans and is now calling on Mrs Bowden, whose responsibilities include Cadw and the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments, to get involved.

His letter to Mrs Bowden stated: “While the building is not yet listed (few 20th century buildings are), it is included on the National Monuments Record of Wales (NMRW), which indicates the importance of the property to both local and national heritage here in Wales.

“The 20th Century Society and a host of other heritage experts have backed efforts to safeguard the future of the building and the local authority has asked Cadw to consider listing the building but regards the outcome of the Cadw process, I would request your personal intervention to protect this nationally important heritage asset.”

Residents and the C20 society, a charity that campaigns for 20th century architecture, have written to the council to object the plans.

The property was designed in the 1930s by architect Sidney Colwyn Foulkes, who was born and raised in Colwyn Bay.

The C20 Society described it as 'a striking Art Deco design, which makes full use of its corner plot and seafront location' and 'a unique building that contributes to the historic interest and character of Rhos-on-Sea'.

Mr Millar added: “The campaign is righty recommending that it is retrofitted into a house or flats rather than demolishing it to build flats.

“There is widespread concern about this iconic art deco building and I really hope that the minister recognises its importance and assists in putting an end to these worrying proposals.”

Councillor Jay Lusted, who represents Llandrillo yn Rhos on Conwy County Borough Council, said: "This an impressive building steeped in history and to demolish it would be devastating.

“I have made my objections known to the council and will continue working with campaigners to save it."

Those who have also objected to the plans include the Welsh comedian, writer and presenter, Griff Rhys Jones OBE, who is also president of both the Victorian Society and Civic Voice, and Baroness Joan Bakewell.

A spokesperson for Conwy County Borough Council said last week: “Further documents have been added to the application (and posted on the planning explorer).

“You can view them on the planning explorer at www.conwy.gov.uk/planningexplorer. The application number is: 0/48885.

“Representations should be made by December 3.”