Battle lines are drawn over housing scheme

Oct 30 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

LLANFAIRFECHAN residents in opposition to a housing development in a designated conservation area are set to do battle with the developer on Tuesday.

Plans for an estate of nine executive homes in the range of £600,000 for The Close in Llanfairfechan had been turned down by Conwy County Council, but a meeting at Pen Dalar Community Centre on November 4 at 10am will see the kick-start of the developer’s appeal.

Opponents are preparing for what they hope to be a final showdown with the building giant. Parc Hen Blas resident George Walker said: “This development would cause massive disruption to the local community.

“Park Road is only narrow and The Close is a one-way system. Builders will only cause more congestion and prevent residents and the emergency services from getting through.”

Mr Walker fears soil erosion should the development get the go-ahead: “Soil would wash downhill in the rain from The Close to Park Road and Parc Hen Blas when the turf is taken off. Their plans would also mean the copse would have to be cut back.

“People come here for the views but the aspect will be blocked by these houses. Although new families might contribute to the community, the benefits do not outweigh the problems.”

In 1990, the then Aberconwy council designated the zone a conservation area due to The Close having been designed by local architect Herbert Luck North. His grand-daughter Pam Phillips currently owns the land.

Park Road resident Norma Kay fears the special character will be lost if modern houses are introduced. She said: “This is the only rural Arts and Crafts garden development in the UK and is a unique part of Llanfairfechan. A new development will have a big impact on the area and if we let this character go, it will be gone forever.”

A spokesman for developer Watkin Jones has said previously they are aware of the sensitivity of the site.

“The layout and design is compatible with and follows the theme of North’s work. The emphasis is on quality with an attention to detail fitting its location.”