Llandudno's pink hotel faces yet another setback

Oct 29 2009 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A HOTELIER who has been in a long running battle over her hotel being too pink was shocked when just before repainting was to start she was told to halt it until she’d supplied information about the exact shade and make of white paint to be used.

“We thought we’d reached an agreement. A cherry picker had been ordered and the painting was due to start in the next few days. Then at the last minute we got a letter saying we needed to clarify what shade of white we’re using, the make, and whether it’s matt or gloss, it’s beyond belief,” said Ann Blanchard.

She and her husband David who own the Oasis Hotel on Llandudno promenade ran foul of conservation area restrictions 18 months ago when they decided to pick out period details on the exterior in a bright shade of pink.

They appealed against Conwy County council’s decision not to allow them permission to use the colour but were forced to accept defeat when an Assembly inspector found in the council’s favour.

“My beautiful pink is to be obliterated. The whole of the building accept for the two front pillars are to be white, and now they’re quibbling over the exact shade of white we’re using. We’ve had to postpone the cherry picker and the decorator and it seems as though this thing is just dragging on and on there seems no end to it,” said Mrs Blanchard.

The publicity given to their fight means that they have received letters and messages of support for the pink colour from all over the world. But Mrs Blanchard says the couple have lost the will to carry on.

“Because the colour has faded so much a lot of people think we have already done it. We feel disappointed because so many other buildings in town still don’t fall in with the conservation guide lines. The main thing is that the building will be bright and clean looking.

“People have been so supportive and really quite fantastic and we want to stay thank you to all those lovely people in Llandudno who have taken the time out to be so kind.”

judith.phillips