Confusion over Llandudno listed building status as letter goes missing in the post

Dec 18 2008 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A COUNCILLOR says she unwittingly breached planning regulations because a vital document was lost in the post.

Cllr Margaret Lyon, who represents Llandudno’s Gogarth ward on the county council, said the notice informing her that a property she owns in the town had been given protective listed building status went astray.

As a result she wasn’t aware she needed permission to install uPVC double glazed windows at tenanted flats.

“I didn’t realise it was listed, as the notice sent out in June, 2001, never reached me as it had been sent to 13 Gloddaeth Street, rather than my home. I installed the double glazing in response to complaints from my tenants that the windows were draughty,” she said.

Cllr Lyon was told on November 12 she had breached planning regulations and contacted the planning department to rectify her error.

“I have engaged a builder to take the double glazing out of the windows and replace it with hardwood sash windows. He is liaising with the conservation officer to ensure everything is done correctly,” she explained.

Cllr Lyon has come in for criticism from online bloggers, but says she feels it is unjustified.

“I have made a mistake out of ignorance of knowing the building was listed. I have asked for a copy of the listing notice and it makes no mention of restrictions on replacing windows,” she said.

“Does anyone seriously think I would spend a considerable amount of money on something like this knowing it would not be correct?

“I find it very disturbing that there are websites who can criticise people without having the guts to say it face-to-face. If they had done as much as I have for their town they’d maybe have the right to criticise me. I’ve put my heart and soul into this town and would never do anything I thought would be detrimental to it,” she said.

A council spokeswoman confirmed they had contacted Cllr Lyon about the breach of regulations and she was cooperating to rectify it.

judith.phillips