Long battle to protect hall is lost

Mar 18 2010 by David Powell, North Wales Weekly News

A HISTORIC hall believed to have been visited by novelist Evelyn Waugh will not be listed after all, experts decided this week.

Historic buildings and ancient monuments body Cadw made the ruling over Plas Dulas in Llanddulas, owned by developer Alex Davies.

He wants to demolish the complex and clear the grounds to build 29 affordable homes, but his planning application was rejected by Conwy County Council.

Earlier this year, he demolished an “unstable” outbuilding fearing trespassers were placing themselves at risk.

Conwy’s planning enforcement officers ordered a halt to further demolition while Cadw considered their ruling.

Campaigners wanting to save it include neighbours, Llanddulas and Rhyd y Foel Conservation Trust, Clwyd and Powys Archaeological Trust, the Save Britain’s Heritage group and Cardiff-based consulting civil and structural engineers Mann Williams.

Mann Williams’ John Avent said the mansion was a “solid building” with potential to be turned into a hotel.

Abergele historian Mark Baker submitted further information to strengthen reasons to safeguard the 1840s structure claiming it had architectural merit and the Waugh connection.

But Cadw, run by the Welsh Assembly Government, opted not to grant it listed status.

A spokesman said: “Cadw’s original assessment remains, that the buildings do not satisfy the listing criteria and so cannot be listed.

“Their decision has been made after visiting the property last month and carefully considering all available evidence presented in support of possible listing.

“We appreciate that this will be disappointing news to those who campaigned for the property to be listed.”

Mark Baker said: “It is still an important building but because of its current condition it cannot be listed on the national list.”

Mr Davies welcomed Cadw’s decision: “I’m not surprised. I’m not gloating. Cadw has simply reaffirmed a sensible decision they have made twice before. They have had a hell of a lot of political pressure put on them to try to get it re-listed.”

He said the only local connection with Waugh was that the Scoop author worked as a teacher at Arnold House, which still exists nearby on Pencoed Road.

But he is “dispirited” about the continued lack of planning permission for 29 low cost homes on the site.

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