A REQUEST to make a 1930s Rhos-on-Sea art deco house under threat of demolition a listed building has been rejected.

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

In an attempt to save the house, a request to make the property a listed building was made to Cadw, a Welsh Government service protecting historic buildings and structures.

But the property failed to satisfy the full listing criteria, which can be found on Cadw’s website at: www.cadw.gov.wales/advice-support/historic-assets/listed-buildings/understanding-listing#section-how-are-buildings-chosen-for-listing.

After a full inspection took place on November 10, an assessment shown to the Pioneer said: “Buildings of this type and style are relatively uncommon in Wales, but as a 20th century building type, listing is focused on the identification of key examples.

“The history of No. 57 has resulted in a series of changes which have detracted from its character.

“It was divided into two separate flats in the 1960s, retaining its plan but split horizontally with the stair boarded out, the ground floor flat accessed by the main door and the upper flat accessed by separate door inserted on the east side.

“The original windows and doors have all been replaced with standard UPVC units.

“Decades of shared ownership as separate flats have not maintained the building in anything other than just a serviceable state in terms of decoration and repairs – a porch has been constructed around the front door, infilling what was a simple but distinctive canopy that was in place in 1994.

“A separate entrance for the first floor flat has also been created and has altered the main view of the building.

“The surrounding walls and gate-piers are presumably survivals from an earlier phase and do not belong with the style of the house.

“A large amount of the original interior was lost on conversion into flats. What original detail survives now is restricted to the internal doors, timber stair (partitioned off) and hallway tiling.

“An original bathroom on the first floor does survive, retaining original tiling and fittings, although it is now damaged. Otherwise, the plasterwork, fireplaces, flooring etc. have been replaced throughout.”

In addition, despite the house widely considered the design of architect Sidney Colwyn Foulkes, who was born and raised in Colwyn Bay, the assessment could find no evidence to support this.

Instead, the report found that it was more likely the design of Mr William Evans, a builder who acquired the property in March 1935.

The report concluded: “Having taken into account the information collated in the desk assessment, the site inspection and the information provided by the Heritage Impact Assessment, it is considered that 57 Marine Drive does not meet the criteria for listing.

“Its relative rarity as an art deco building and striking character mark it out as of some interest.

“However, alterations to its external appearance, and in particular the loss of original fenestration which is a key part of art deco style, combined with the loss of interior detailing, mean that the building cannot be considered amongst the best examples of its type.

“In conclusion, the new information that was made available while this new listing request was being considered does not support a case for overturning the decision not to list that had been made at the time of the Rhos-on-Sea resurvey.”

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, described these developments as ‘incredibly disappointing’ news.

Mr Millar said: “This news is incredibly disappointing and a huge blow to the campaign to protect this prominent Rhos-on-Sea property from demolition.

“It is now essential that Conwy County Borough Councillors do their bit to protect this important piece of our local heritage which has stood proudly on the Rhos-on-Sea promenade for generations.

“Demolition of the building would be a travesty.”

Martin Austin, who set up the Conwy County Heritage Watch group, started a petition to try and save the house, which has garnered more than 660 signatures so far (www.ipetitions.com/petition/conwy-council-reject-the-application-to-demolish).

Glenda Tobin, another member of Conwy County Heritage Watch, said: "Cadw have said: 'Its relative rarity as an art deco building and striking character mark it out as of some interest' and have suggested that the building could be locally listed and an article four direction issued to protect it.

"So, it's down to Conwy County Borough Council now to do its job and begin the process of adding the building to its local list of heritage assets, a list that has remained empty for the last seven years."

A spokesperson for Conwy County Borough Council confirmed: "The application will be presented to the planning committee on January 12.

"Members of the planning committee will be provided with a full assessment of the application."

Also among those who have also called for the art deco house’s preservation are the Welsh comedian, writer and presenter, Griff Rhys Jones OBE, and Baroness Joan Bakewell.

Meanwhile, the C20 Society, a charity campaigning for the preservation of 20th-century architecture, also submitted a written objection to the plans to Conwy County Borough Council.

Mr Rhys Jones, who is also president of both the Victorian Society and Civic Voice, said in a statement last month: “I just need to add my voice to the many who object here.

“It is dismaying that there can be such a casual approach to important Welsh heritage. This is important architecture and part of the story of Rhos-on-Sea.”

Baroness Joan Bakewell had previously tweeted: “Oh a real kiss if it goes! Isn’t it listed? Does no one care?”

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'.