A REPRESENTATIVE of a group aiming to protect Conwy’s heritage has called on the region’s MSs to help in the fight to save a 1930s art deco house in Rhos-on-Sea from demolition.

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

Glenda Tobin, of Conwy County Heritage Watch, has asked Clwyd West MS Darren Millar and North Wales MS Mark Isherwood to inform all Welsh Government Cabinet members of the issue before Conwy County Borough Council’s Planning Committee considers the application on January 12.

This follows a failed attempt to have the property become a listed building after Cadw, a Welsh Government service protecting historic buildings and structures, found it did not meet the full listing criteria.

In an email shown to the Pioneer, Glenda is calling for the building to be “locally listed” instead.

She wrote: “Cadw may not have listed the building but they did conclude that ‘Its relative rarity as an art deco building and striking character mark it out as of some interest’, also stating that its local significance should not be ignored.

“They have suggested that the building could be locally listed, and an article four direction issued to protect it.

“So, it's down to Conwy Council to 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.

“However, when approached about this, they have been less than enthusiastic.”

The policy in question, concerning the ‘Article 4(1)’ direction, can be found in full at: www.conwy.devplan.org.uk/document.aspx?document=79&display=chapter&id=570.

It states: “The council has a responsibility to make every effort within its powers to protect the historic environment.

“This can include, if it is appropriate, the serving of an ‘Article 4(1) Direction’ on a locally important building, that removes the permitted development rights (including demolition) granted by the General Permitted Development Order 1995.

“An applicant wishing to demolish a BSLI (building and structure of local importance) will need to demonstrate that they have thoroughly investigated all possible means of retention and/or reuse, before the council will consider the merits of a proposed replacement building(s).”

Glenda added: “When approached about these issues by ourselves, local MS Darren Millar and the press, the planning department have ignored our concerns and pressed ahead with the planning meeting on January 12.

“There seems to be an urgency to get these plans to committee before the full debate is heard and proper responsibilities are fully considered.

“This is not acceptable and leaves the council wide open to legal challenge.”

After a full Cadw inspection took place on November 10, the report also found that the building it was more likely the design of Mr William Evans, a builder who acquired the property in March 1935.

Previously, it had widely been 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.

In response to Glenda Tobin’s comments, a Conwy County Borough Council spokesperson said: “The application will be presented to Planning Committee on January 12.

“Members of the Planning Committee will be provided with a full assessment of the application.”

An agenda document for Wednesday’s 2pm meeting, which states that the Planning Committee is “minded to grant conditional planning permission”, can be also found at: https://modgoveng.conwy.gov.uk/documents/g8713/Public%20reports%20pack%20Wednesday%2012-Jan-2022%2014.00%20Planning%20Committee.pdf?T=10.

Points 23 to 28 set out its position in relation to BSLIs, with point 23 stating: “Planning officers do not consider that the building merits designation as a BSLI.

“Whilst they note that the building’s distinctive art deco style and possible association with Sidney Colwyn Foulkes are factors which add some weight to its designation, the building has been affected by unsympathetic alterations.

“As such, the building does not meet the criteria for inclusion on the basis of architectural interest, which include ‘use of quality materials and workmanship’ and ‘good examples of a locally derived architectural style or character that is distinctive’.”

Clwyd West MS, Darren Millar, added: “I share the concerns of those with an interest in local heritage.

“The local authority clearly has powers to develop its own list of heritage assets which could afford this prominent local historic building the protection it deserves.

“The absence of a local list of heritage assets in Conwy County Borough is needlessly putting the collective story of the area at risk so this must be addressed as soon as possible starting with this unique building.”

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.

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 November: “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”.