Houses for Conwy mansion plan turned down

Parts of Plas Dulas date back to the 18th Century

Campaigners have welcomed a planning appeal decision which will prevent a mansion at Llanddulas in Conwy being pulled down.

Developers had appealed against a decision to refuse planning permission to demolish the derelict Plas Dulas.

Author Evelyn Waugh is said to have written Decline and Fall there and supporters want it restored.

The developer who wants to build 29 affordable homes has been asked for a comment.

Inspector Anthony Thickett, from the Planning Inspectorate for Wales, said the appeal decision was taken over three main issues.

These were: the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, whether there would be adequate usable open space, and the impact on protected species.

In his report Mr Thickett noted the Victorian Society, The Georgian Group and others want to see the house restored.

However, Cadw, the body which looks after ancient buildings in Wales, had noted that it is not worth listing.

Cost effective

The house will be featured in a Cardiff Civic Society and Victorian Society exhibition in The Old Library in Cardiff next week.

Mark Baker, author A Royal Home in Wales, Llwynywermod; Hafodunos Hall and co-author of Forgotten Welsh Houses, said there as a "huge amount of support" for Plas Dulas locally.

The house is important to the character and the history of the area, Mr Baker added.

"There needs to be a change of ownership at Plas Dulas now," he said.

"It needs to be taken on by someone who is willing to restore it as it wouldn't be more cost effective to knock it down," he added.