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Last updated
29 August, 2010

Plas Dulas Under Threat from Demolition

Latest News:

You can help save Plas Dulas.

Simply send an e-mail to the inspectorate at wales@pins.gsi.gov.uk, quoting the appeal reference number APP/T6905/A/10/2126902/WF and with one or two sentences simply stating your request for the appeal to be dismissed. You will need to also provide your name and home address, but that is all.

If you do contact the inspectorate, you are likely to later receive an update - via post - regarding the status of the inquiry.

Please send your e-mail as soon as possible. Time is running short!

August 2009

Dear Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust Members,

We thought that this application would be of interest to our members, as the Plas Dulas family were friends with the owners of Gwrych Castle in the 19th century and that garden ideas were exchanged between the two.

A beautiful and historic building local to Gwrych Castle is currently under threat of demolition. An application has been submitted to Conwy County Council to clear both Plas Dulas, Llanddulas, and its gardens in order to make way for 29 new residential buildings.

The area really cannot accommodate such a large development and neither can the roads that approach the building, Pencoed Road in particular. There would also be questions of safety, as the increase in traffic would prove dangerous for schoolchildren walking to school in the area

The following points in the Local Development Plan are also particularly relevant to the application:

4.228 Laws and detailed national planning guidance specifically concerning the protection of the historic environment apply, however the importance of adopting a holistic view to the protection of heritage assets should not be underestimated. Heritage assets such as historic landscapes, parks and gardens and buildings and structures of local importance do not benefit from statutory designation, although these contribute significantly to the interest and distinctive character of a place.

4.227 Historic areas play a key role in fulfilling the objectives of the Local Development Plan, whether they form commercial or shopping centres, visitor attractions, or attractive and interesting places to live. The Council is keen to ensure that such assets are protected from inappropriate development, and will take the opportunity to enhance historic areas and buildings where this is needed.

4.205 The policies in this section seek to achieve greater efficiency in use of natural resources, minimise energy demand and increase the use of renewable resources. This should reduce the running costs of buildings and create attractive and healthy places for people to live and work by use of natural light and ventilation. When looking at re-use of previously developed land, developers should seek to renovate existing buildings where appropriate rather than demolition and rebuilding. Recovered building materials should also be used where possible. This will reduce energy used in construction and will also contribute to protecting the built heritage.

Furthermore, the proposed development goes against recent Welsh Assembly Guidelines that promote the re-use of historic buildings.

Please make sure your written objections are sent as soon as possible. The address to send letters to is:

Mr Phil Hardwick

Head of Planning Services

Conwy County Borough Council

Civic Offices

Colwyn Bay

LL29 8AR

Or alternatively you can submit objections via e-mail: alan.howie2@conwy.gov.uk, cc. peter.jones-hughes@conwy.gov.uk. Be sure to include your contact address in e-mail submissions, as they will not be accepted otherwise.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Eric Salt, Trustee