Building and Plans
There appears to be a great deal of mystery surrounding building plan approval in Llandudno, it is, in fact a relatively simple procedure along the following lines. Currently a building plan should be submitted to the City Council South Peninsula Administration for ANY building work, addition, alteration including swimming pools and boundary walls. The scrutiny fee has to be paid at their submission counter. The authorities will approve the plan directly if it complies with regulations applicable to Llandudno.

If a deviation from the regulations is sought, say for a relaxation of the height restriction, the plan is referred to the Llandudno Building Advisory Committee for comment. This committee comprises members of Llandudno Architects, Town Planner and representatives from the Llandudno Civic Association. The Llandudno Civic Association vets every deviation request.
The recommendations are then forwarded for approval to the Council. Should anyone disagree with their ruling an appeal can be made to the Premier whose decision is final.

Certain observations become clear. Almost half of the plans submitted are substandard with insufficient information, appalling presentation and lack of knowledge of the local town planning regulations. Months can be wasted whilst attempting to arrive at a fair recommendation.

More thought in preparing the plans could negate the necessity of a deviation and speed up plans appreciably. Special new town planning regulations were gazetted for Llandudno on 3rd February 1995, reducing the maximum heights and relaxing building line regulations to allow a flatter spread of development; your draughtsman or architect should be in possession of these regulations to advise you of the best solution. They are available from the LCA website in the item Building in Llandudno.

Building Codes and Useful Tips
Co-operation between the Building committees, owners and architects has improved markedly in recent times.

This has lead to greater understanding and fewer conflict situations for which all are thankful.

Compliance with the various Town planning and Title deed requirements in the design of buildings and extensions affect the character of Llandudno permanently and should be taken lightly.

If you are building, planning to build or extend the following tips will help avoid friction, delays and costly mistakes:

• Don’t allow any building work to start without an approved plan from the City Council. Often builders or architects think their plans can be quickly slipped through and start building without them. Don’t be misled.
  
• Don’t change plans significantly after starting your building - especially if a change bypasses the standard title deed and town planning parameters. Changes must be approved.
  
• Ask your architect to comply with title deed and town planning parameters for your property (e.g. building lines coverage and height. Etc) they are not onerous. Only apply for deviations from these conditions for really valid reasons and then allow much more time.
  
• Ensure that building takes place according to the approved plans. A transgression can cost dearly.
  
• Enjoy your new home or extension in the knowledge that it is approved and will not cause heartache afterwards because neighbours or community are not affected negatively.
  
• Consider the effect of expensive building or extension on your future valuation and Rates Account. Some of us may be shocked when properties are valued again.