Neighbours backing Llandudno woman’s appeal against double glazing ban

Apr 14 2011 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

TRADERS and residents with properties in a conservation area are calling for rules banning them from installing double glazing to be axed.

People in the Upper Mostyn Street area of Llandudno say they need to put in double glazed windows because of late night noise from nearby bars, and to help energy conservation.

Cindy Atay of the Mediterranean Restaurant is currently appealing against an enforcement issued by Conwy County Council demanding that she remove uPVC double glazed windows and replace them with single glazing.

She is also appealing against the authority’s refusal of planning permission for her to replace the uPVC windows with wooden framed double glazing.

“These are test cases for everyone in this area who wants to have double glazing,” said Cindy.

“We feel we are being discriminated against in not being allowed double glazed windows when other listed buildings in the conservation area have got them.

“Some of the largest hotels in Llandudno have double glazing and I feel they are picking on a little person rather than taking on one of the bigger businesses that have installed them.”

Cindy believed that when she put in double glazed windows in flats she owns above the restaurant, the council would approve of them.

She claims a council officer told her they would be the best option for replacing wooden Victorian sash windows in the property.

“The window frames were rotten and letting in terrible draughts. In one flat it was so bad that the draught in windy weather was lifting the carpet,” she said.

Her neighbours are backing her appeal, as are Gogarth ward county councillors.

David Kavanagh, who owns the Rose Tor Hotel and Restaurant, would like to install double glazing at the front of the property to help cut out late night noise and reduce heating bills.

“This is a David and Goliath fight between the council and Cindy and we want her to win because the outcome will affect all of us,” he said.

“We’re behind her 100%. In other Victorian resorts like Brighton, Eastbourne and Torquay they have had a more relaxed attitude and many hotels in conservation areas have double glazing.

“The Victorians were very progressive and I’m sure they would have approved,” he added.

Conwy’s planning department said the reason it refused Cindy permission to change her windows was because it would “affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest”.

Cindy’s appeal against refusal of planning consent will be heard by a Welsh Assembly planning inspector.