Latest news with #Cadw
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff mansion built for department store founder for sale
The property, known as Mansion House, was commissioned in 1865 by James Howell, the businessman behind Howell's department store. According to the listing, the house's unusual entrance was a special request by Mr Howell, who wanted to allow the building to be split in two for future generations. Both doors open into the same hallway, but a wall was built in the cellar so it could be extended upwards to divide the home. Designed by Habershon & Fawckner architects, the building was granted Grade II listed status in 2002 by Cadw, the Welsh heritage body. The listing notes: "The house, which was one of the grandest houses in Cardiff, was built for James Howell, the founder of Howell's department store." After its time as a private residence, Mansion House was bought by Cardiff Corporation and served as the official home of the city's lord mayors until 1971. The property has hosted a number of notable visitors, including King George V, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela. It was also the preferred accommodation in the city for King Charles III during his time as Prince of Wales, according to the listing. In recent years, the building has been used by Cardiff Council and is currently licensed for civil ceremonies and weddings. Mansion House has also appeared in the television series Doctor Who. The property is now up for sale, with offers invited for a freehold sale on an unconditional basis. Savills' Ted Harding-Brown describes Mansion House as 'one of our city's most historically rich buildings' and suggests it could be converted for a range of uses, including a boutique hotel, nursery, health or education facility, or returned to use as a family home. On the ground floor, period features remain, including the entrance hall leading to a dining room and drawing room. There is a fully fitted kitchen and a reception room previously used for formal ceremonies. The first floor includes the former lord mayor's suite with a linked bedroom, lounge, and drawing room. Several bedrooms with en suites are located at the front of the house, with two additional wings at the rear. One wing contains two en-suite bedrooms, while the other has three smaller rooms, including a kitchen. The attic floor has eight rooms and two bathrooms, and the basement offers office space and storage.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Plan for market hall where ex-prime minister launched political career refused
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Plans to build 14 flats at market hall where Welsh Prime Minister David Lloyd George gave his first political speech have been rejected. The application to convert the Market Hall on Church Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was turned down by Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee, on Monday, June 16. The plans were submitted by Paul McCready of Mossley Hill Investments Gwynedd Ltd to develop eight one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom flats. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Plans had first been submitted in February 2019, and deferred in July 2019, after more information was requested by the council's language unit, with some amended details supplied in 2020. (Image: Cyngor Gwynedd plans) However, in June 2021, the building was given Grade-II listing by Cadw. Due to elapsed time, planners had sought updated information, to assess the application against recent planning policy, but no response had been received, planning officer Keira Ann Sweenie said. "Despite officers' efforts there's been no progress," she told the meeting. It was felt the developers had "had enough time" and the recommendation was to refuse, based on lack of recent information and being unable to assess the application against recent policy. Developers had initially wanted to provide supported living accommodation, in partnership with MySpace Housing Association, but had acknowledged in a report this had "raised community concerns". (Image: Image Cyngor Gwynedd plans) Those concerns had mainly been about the "supported living" aspect attracting "outsiders", which it was feared could "worsen existing anti-social behaviour issues within the community". Having "taken regard to the concerns" the developers had hoped amended plans for 14 self-contained, "open market" apartments, in lieu of managed rentals, would be "received favourably" by the community. "The provision of one and two-bedroom apartments increases choice for smaller families, young couples or households of older people," they had stated, adding they could help meet "an identified demand" for smaller housing units. It would also ensure the empty building would avoid falling into disrepair, "and prevent it from becoming a draw for anti-social behaviour" they had argued. The application had prompted Ffestiniog Town Council objections, with members concerned t it was "not a development for local needs". "If there is no local demand for one-bedroom flats, then this may be a threat to the area's language and community," it said. It was "not in support" due to "no consideration" of the Welsh language and parking issues, including the needs of the Church. It also raised concerns about bats, but had received no response. The report noted the Housing Strategic Unit felt there was "some demand" for one- and two-bedroom affordable flats, but no formal valuation was submitted. The Language Unit said there was a "lack of clarity" in the plans, and could not support the view there was "no likely language impact". A member of the public had objected, saying the site should not be used due to its history, parking, and "pressure on the community and the Welsh language" based on a "danger that more people would move in". The Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service felt the building was of "historic interest" having been constructed between 1861-1864, by Owen Roberts, of Dolgareddu and designed by Owen Morris, of Porthmadog. Although of "no exceptional architectural value" it had "historical importance" due to links to the 19th century when the town was flourishing, and as the place where David Lloyd George had spoken. A diary, held by the National Library of Wales, describes how the building was where he gave his first political speech, on February 12, 1886. Local member Cllr Elfed Wyn Ap Elwyn had "concerns," based on local views, and those of the community council, particularly over parking and worries over the impact on the Welsh language. Local people also had "strong feelings" to protect the historic building. Due to a lack of current information, planning officers felt there was "no option" but to recommend refusal. Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones proposed rejecting based on lack of information, seconded by Cllr Edgar Wyn Owen, a view supported by other councillors. The application was refused. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Plan for market hall where ex-prime minister launched political career refused
Plans to build 14 flats at market hall where Welsh Prime Minister David Lloyd George gave his first political speech have been rejected. The application to convert the Market Hall on Church Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog, was turned down by Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee, on Monday, June 16. The plans were submitted by Paul McCready of Mossley Hill Investments Gwynedd Ltd to develop eight one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom flats. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday Plans had first been submitted in February 2019, and deferred in July 2019, after more information was requested by the council's language unit, with some amended details supplied in 2020. However, in June 2021, the building was given Grade-II listing by Cadw. Due to elapsed time, planners had sought updated information, to assess the application against recent planning policy, but no response had been received, planning officer Keira Ann Sweenie said. "Despite officers' efforts there's been no progress," she told the meeting. It was felt the developers had "had enough time" and the recommendation was to refuse, based on lack of recent information and being unable to assess the application against recent policy. Developers had initially wanted to provide supported living accommodation, in partnership with MySpace Housing Association, but had acknowledged in a report this had "raised community concerns". Those concerns had mainly been about the "supported living" aspect attracting "outsiders", which it was feared could "worsen existing anti-social behaviour issues within the community". Having "taken regard to the concerns" the developers had hoped amended plans for 14 self-contained, "open market" apartments, in lieu of managed rentals, would be "received favourably" by the community. "The provision of one and two-bedroom apartments increases choice for smaller families, young couples or households of older people," they had stated, adding they could help meet "an identified demand" for smaller housing units. It would also ensure the empty building would avoid falling into disrepair, "and prevent it from becoming a draw for anti-social behaviour" they had argued. The application had prompted Ffestiniog Town Council objections, with members concerned t it was "not a development for local needs". "If there is no local demand for one-bedroom flats, then this may be a threat to the area's language and community," it said. It was "not in support" due to "no consideration" of the Welsh language and parking issues, including the needs of the Church. It also raised concerns about bats, but had received no response. The report noted the Housing Strategic Unit felt there was "some demand" for one- and two-bedroom affordable flats, but no formal valuation was submitted. The Language Unit said there was a "lack of clarity" in the plans, and could not support the view there was "no likely language impact". A member of the public had objected, saying the site should not be used due to its history, parking, and "pressure on the community and the Welsh language" based on a "danger that more people would move in". The Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service felt the building was of "historic interest" having been constructed between 1861-1864, by Owen Roberts, of Dolgareddu and designed by Owen Morris, of Porthmadog. Although of "no exceptional architectural value" it had "historical importance" due to links to the 19th century when the town was flourishing, and as the place where David Lloyd George had spoken. A diary, held by the National Library of Wales, describes how the building was where he gave his first political speech, on February 12, 1886. Local member Cllr Elfed Wyn Ap Elwyn had "concerns," based on local views, and those of the community council, particularly over parking and worries over the impact on the Welsh language. Local people also had "strong feelings" to protect the historic building. Due to a lack of current information, planning officers felt there was "no option" but to recommend refusal.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Rightmove's most viewed house in 2025 is in Wales and it's probably down to one very unusual feature
Rightmove's most viewed house in 2025 is in Wales and it's probably down to one very unusual feature Five fabulous homes have been the most popular online, from a castle to a London mega mansion to a wonderful Welsh abode - with something quite unexpected in one of the rooms Rightmove's most viewed home so far in 2025 is in Wales (Image: Rightmove ) So many people enjoy rummaging around looking at unusual and dream homes on the numerous online property portals - even if they're not interested in finding a new place to live. Rightmove, the UK's largest property platform, has revealed five of the most viewed homes in Great Britain so far this year and a historic gem in Wales has hit the number one spot as the most popular home to have an online tour around. Rightmove says of this amazing Welsh house in Conwy, north Wales that has grabbed the number one spot: 'One of the standout properties this year features a truly unique bathroom centrepiece, a stiletto-shaped bathtub. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: We transformed an old cow shed into an incredible Welsh home YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: This is Wales' best place to live in 2025 Years of careful restoration has ensured this historic house will thrive through the next century (Image: Rightmove ) Article continues below This intriguing Grade II listed residence, situated within the walled section of Conwy town, is just a short walk from the impressive castle and historic quayside. Described by estate agents Dafydd Hardy, Llandudno, as a most fascinating and intriguing Grade II* Listed residence, it appears that visitors to Rightmove in the first six months of 2025 agreed. The original single-storey house was dendrochronologically dated to the winter of 1441-42, and since then it has retained its overall 16th century form with 18th century additions and alteration. Each room is packed with historic character (Image: Rightmove ) The house was listed by Cadw in 1950 'as one of the few surviving pre-Georgian buildings in the town centre, retaining its overall C16 form with C18 addition and alteration, and for its group value within the historical townscape'. The listing states that the house as seen today is predominantly dated 1589 and built by John Birchdall, vicar of Conwy 1569-1607 and his initials, and those of his wife, Elizabeth, are on a stone tablet within the property. But, step back in time 17 years and the house did not look like the dream home it is today - between 2008 and 2015, the property was completely and comprehensively gutted and renovated with full Listed Building and planning consents by the present owner. On the market with Dafydd Hardy, Llandudno for £875,000 (Image: Rightmove ) The sympathetic and careful revival of this important Welsh slice of history was a substantial undertaking and the result is a breathtaking home that combines restored history with modern additions. Of course, the addition of a bath the shape of a stiletto shoe would have grabbed people's imagination but it is the revival of this historic gem so that it doesn't just survive but thrives long into the future that's the most important element of the home that should be its most celebrated aspect. Mesmerising bathroom with stiletto shoe shaped bath (Image: Rightmove ) Complementing the interior is a gem of a walled garden located to the rear, a welcome surprise considering its central position within the town. The furthest boundary wall is in fact a section of original town wall whereby wide steps lead up to its uppermost section from where there are superb views of Conwy quay and estuary with its numerous sailing vessels with the outline of Deganwy Vardre 'Castle' on the far shoreline. The garden is integrated into Conwy's ancient town walls (Image: Rightmove ) Within the garden is an attached former bakehouse outbuilding which functions today as a garage, having a high-pitched ceiling and original inglenook fireplace plus toilet facilities. Inside, the house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, three reception rooms, a kitchen and oodles of amazing character thanks to the diligence and care afforded to it by the current owner. A restored historic church in Bradford priced £1,395,000 on the market with Bronte Estates (Image: rightmove ) Also amongst the most viewed properties on Rightmove so far this year is a restored St. Paul's church built in 1846, located in the village of Denholme. This Grade II listed building has open plan living, arched windows, a spiral staircase, and the original bell tower. And there is a magnificent country estate, nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At its heart lies a historic 14th-century Grade I listed castle and an East Wing that has successfully operated as a wedding venue. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here A historic haven in the Yorkshire Dales near Ripley for sale for £21,000,000 with Carter Jonas (Image: rightmove ) Situated on a secluded plot in the heart of Caldy, is a luxurious modern mega-mansion which spans over 12,000 square feet and offers five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a leisure complex and also caught the eye of people online dreaming about living like a footballer or celebrity in this high value area of The Wirral. A luxurious modern mega-mansion in Caldy priced £4,500,000 on the market with Bradshaw Farnham & Lea (Image: rightmove ) A striking stucco-fronted home, unfolding across five floors and measuring 21,659 square feet is another most viewed property on Rightmove this year. Set in the heart of St. John's Wood on the prestigious Avenue Road, the property features interior design by the internationally renowned David Linley, characterised by its Art Deco finish. Art deco elegance in St. John's Wood, London one of the most expensive houses for sale priced £59,950,000 and on with Sotheby's (Image: rightmove ) Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: 'From a stiletto-shaped bathtub abode in Conwy to a restored historic church in Bradford, this year's most viewed homes so far on Rightmove highlight the unique charm and diversity of the UK housing market. "With the UK's largest choice of homes, there's a home to meet any unique requirement on Rightmove, from historic estates to modern mega-mansions. It's no wonder that home seekers spent over 16.4 billion minutes on our platform last year, exploring these incredible properties' Find your a property for sale with a lush bathroom too: Article continues below
Western Telegraph
11-06-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Pizza oven at one of last working water mills in Wales
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Emma Williams seeks permission to retain a timber storage shed used for a mobile pizza oven at The Mill, Mill Street, St Dogmaels. The timber shed is situated directly adjacent to the millpond in the centre of St Dogmaels, on a road known as The Shingrig. The millpond forms part of the domestic curtilage of the adjoining mill house and both the mill pond and the adjoining community garden are owned by the applicant who runs the nearby St Dogmeals Mill as a family business and resides in the neighbouring Mill House, opposite the ruins of a former Benedictine abbey. The mill itself ceased operation in 1926. In 1975 the Hall family (the applicant's parents) purchased the former mill, mill-house and the site of the former mill pond with the intention to renovate the properties and bring the mill back into operation. By 1981 the mill had been restored and the pond had been emptied powering the mill since that time. Cadw has graded the mill, which is understood to be one of only two working commercial water mills in Wales as Grade II*. The shed was constructed in late 2024 and in early 2025 Pembrokeshire County Council Planning Enforcement contacted the applicant to inform them planning permission was required for the shed, with a conservation officer later saying it was deemed to have a negative visual impact, the applicants saying was made without visiting the site. The application is supported by St Dogmaels Community Council, which is calling for a site visit ahead of any decision, emphasising that Cadw states the design in the current proposal will not have an unacceptably damaging effect on the nearby scheduled monument, St Dogmaels Abbey, nor will it impact the setting of Old Castle Mound. A supporting statement through agent Johnston Planning Ltd says the mobile pizza oven is operated on an occasional basis as part of the wider mill operation. 'The structure stands in a rich historic environment within the confines of the St Dogmeals Conservation Area and in proximity to a number of listed buildings (The Vicarage, The Bier House, The Old Coach House & The Mill) as well as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (St Dogmeals Abbey) and whilst preliminary discussions with county council officers regarding the retention of the structure have unfortunately been negative an application is nevertheless made for this purpose as (to a reasonable observer) the works are considered minor in scope and not to detract visually from the character of the host conservation area. 'Indeed, in addition this submission argues that the use itself has a beneficial impact on the character of the conservation by adding it its general vitality. Whilst the shed does not physically impact any heritage assets nor is it specifically within the curtilage of a listed building the high quality of the surrounding historic environment is acknowledged.' The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
