Rhos on Sea: Fears Aberhod Old Hall will be torn down
Building is a shell of former self in the middle of redevelopment
Fears have been raised that a much-loved 18th century hall could be demolished.
Aberhod Old Hall on the Cayley Promenade in Rhos on Sea is in the middle of extensive redevelopment. But work to turn the building into new homes has been more extreme than a lot of people envisaged and there are fears the building could now be torndown.
In 2011 plans were submitted to convert the building, built in 1763, into six homes. These were rejected. However they were approved on appeal in January 2012 in spite of considerable objections from local councillors who attended the hearing.
Cllr Roger Parry has demanded clarity on the future of the project.
He said: “A lot of work has been done it, I can’t understand what they’ve done so far - it looks very extensive.
“The perception as far as people is concerned is there’s a probability it might get demolished and most people certainly don’t want that.
“There’s not many internal walls left either. We need clarity on the future of it. I’ve spoken to council officers but I was not reassured, not at all, I’m still sceptical as are other people from the area.
“I was amazed when I found out it wasn’t listed.”
The approved plans include the main section of the building being converted into three new homes. Two new symmetrical three bedroom houses will then be erected either side of the main building, while a block at the rear will make way for a sixth home.
The designs claims to be eco-friendly. A spokesman for Matthew Jones Architects, who spear-headed the approved plans, said: “The original planning application and building regulation application were approved by Conwy Council.
“Since gaining approval, Matthew Jones Architects have had no input on works on site and therefore cannot comment if the developer has deviated from the original scheme.”
A Conwy Council spokeswoman said: “Our planning enforcement section has looked into the matter and has concluded that there is no planning breach at this present time.” She added: “Once each element of replacement construction is ready for inspection, Conwy’s building control team will inspect, as per usual practise.
