Llanfairfechan housing plan is rejected

Dec 24 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

THE rejection of a planning appeal for new housing in a conservation area has been hailed as an early Christmas present for Llanfairfechan residents.

The final appeal by developer Watkin Jones against a decision by Conwy County Council to block nine detached homes in The Close was heard at Pendalar Community Centre in October.

Last week, the planning inspectorate rejected the application on the basis the plans would not preserve or enhance the character of The Close’s conservation area. The Close was described as an important example of the town planning expertise of architects Herbert Luck North and Percival Padmore.

Planning inspector Andrew Poulter acknowledged that while the proposed houses would be in the Arts and Crafts style, they would not mirror the original designs.

“It would be harmful to the historical integrity of the planning and layout of the estate, and so to the special architectural and historic interest of the Conservation Area,” he said.

Mr Poulter was also concerned about the impact extra traffic generated by additional homes could create: “Much of the traffic to the proposed development would use a junction between Park Road and Village Road. Visibility at this junction is restricted, particularly to the left. The proposed development would add significantly to the use of a junction which appears to be sub-standard.”

Pen-y-Bryn Road resident Rhoda Lewis welcomed the decision: “I think it’s wonderful news. I’m very grateful to the Weekly News for giving us publicity.”

Town councillor Geoff Shepherd welcomed the decision.

“I’m very pleased the inspector used common sense and saw that any building on that field would detract from the area’s character and ruin the view,” he added.

Cllr Andrew Hinchliff had mixed feelings towards the development.

“The owner is getting older and there may be future proposals that aren’t as well thought out as this one was. However, we need cheaper housing in Llanfairfechan and these luxury homes did not meet that need. In this current climate, even if permission had been granted, they might never have been built anyway.”

Watkin Jones were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.