Aberconwy AM and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders, has welcomed the news that Llandudno magistrates have given Mrs Cindy Atay an absolute discharge. The Assembly Member who has long called for CCBC to approach this matter in a more fair, balanced and reasoned manner said " I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and that Mrs Atay has been given an absolute discharge, "in light of powerful mitigation" from a potential fine of £20,000. The whole issue of replacement windows within our conservation areas, for both listed and unlisted buildings, has caused much misery and anxiety for both residents and businesses for several months since the Council decided to pursue this case and that of the Balmoral Apartments. Many feel that the Council have acted in a less than fair, consistent and reasonable manner."
The Assembly Member, a former Town and County Cllr herself, added: "I have been very concerned at the way this issue has been handled by the Local Authority, and I have made representations on behalf of Mrs Atay at the planning appeal hearing, to the planning Inspectorate and to the then Minister for Planning in the Welsh Government Mr John Griffiths AM. Clearly, we must seek to ensure that we do not lose our historical heritage within our conservation areas by dramatically changing the aesthetic appearance of Llandudno. One must also be wary of ignoring the economic regeneration and future sustainability of our beautiful premier seaside town by heavy handed regulation and enforcement procedures.
"Even to date, there is some uncertainty as to whether Conwy County Borough Council actually has in place a cohesive, comprehensive conservation policy, even amongst some democratically elected councillors. I would therefore welcome some evidence that the policy does exist and was discussed, debated, and received the majority backing of Councillors including the Leader and his Cabinet Members. If there is such a policy in place it would be even more interesting to know when this was approved and also as to why there has not been guidance and support forthcoming over the years that would have seen this fiasco averted.
"I would now call on the Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, Cllr Dilwyn Roberts to show some strong leadership and some actual support for the future sustainability of our town by bringing a halt to any further enforcement actions against Mrs Atay and the owner of the Balmoral Apartments. I shall be writing to the Leader to suggest a common sense approach, and more amicable way forward including actual dialogue with both owners of the above properties and to stop the further waste of taxpayer’s money on frivolous and costly legal proceedings."