Llandudno couple to fight council over pink hotel

Jan 1 2009 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

The Oasis Hotel

A COUPLE who were told they shouldn’t have painted their hotel pink are fighting back after being refused permission for the colour scheme.

David and Ann Blanchard of the Oasis Hotel on Llandudno promenade were shocked when they were told last May that the shade of pink they had used to highlight features of the building was out of keeping with the resort’s conservation area.

Planning officers threatened to issue an order for them to repaint it if they didn’t apply for planning permission, so the couple submitted the forms only to be told permission had been refused.

“We are being bullied by the council over something most people would regard as trivial,” said Mr Blanchard. “There is nothing wrong with the colour, everyone seems to like it and the council received 700 letters of support for our application, and only three objecting.”

But planning officers at Conwy County Council and landlord Mostyn Estates say the Blanchards were out of order for using a shade that wasn’t on an approved colour chart.

Mostyn Estates managing director Peter Caldwell explained: “It is a listed building in a conservation area and years ago Conwy council set up a colour scheme for buildings on the promenade which has to be adhered to. It consists of pastel colours which blend in with neighbouring properties to make it a harmonious picture.

“Unfortunately the colours used in this instance are not heritage colours and make the hotel stand out from the neighbouring buildings. Llandudno’s promenade is one of the very best in the UK and we have a duty to protect it.”

But the Blanchards say they have agreed to modify the colour and would be repainting it within two years anyway and feel the council is victimising them.

“We have offered to take it two shades lighter, but they say it still wouldn’t meet the requirements, yet there are hotels on the promenade painted bright yellow, royal blue and burgundy and in my book those aren’t pastel shades,” complained Mr Blanchard.

The couple have lodged an appeal with the Assembly which will be dealt with by written representations. Those already made will be sent to the inspector but any new representations should go to the Planning Inspectorate, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ quoting reference DC/0/35016.