What's Llandudno Like Right Now?

[DaveR]

Three fire engines and a police van just turned up at Clarence Hotel, no sign of any fire though.

[Merddin Emrys]

It's just been on the local ITV news that CCBC are now objecting to UPVC windows in Home Cooking, the owner said ' they have been there for 30 years!'. seems that they are looking at all hotels etc on a case by case basis.  I would have thought they have more important things to sort out! 

[Yorkie]

Maybe someone has a "connection" with a wooden replacement window company!   NO!  It couldn't be that!   

[Cambrian]

I expect others saw John Lawson Reay on Wales Today putting forward the view that the Conservation Area should be protected. When these properties are bought, I would have thought a reputable solicitor would point out to the buyers that consent is needed for certain activities - after all even the tint of paint of regulated on the prom!

[dwsi]

Pics?  Details? Video?  C'mon, Fester;  no use having one of our chief reporters on the ground if we've nothing to post :-))))


 

Climber rescued by Llandudno Coastguard & Rescue 122 - YouTube http://bit.ly/zW91U7

[Bri Roberts]

Maybe someone has a "connection" with a wooden replacement window company!   NO!  It couldn't be that!   

Yorkie, are you suggesting that someone, who has had to replace his/her windows recently, maybe insisting that everyone else must now replace theirs as well?

Cambrian is also correct with his/her observation.

Perhaps a few solicitors may need to start checking their professional indemnity insurance policies if they overlooked advising clients correctly with their purchases over the past 30+ years.

[DaveR]

The policy change follows a case at 1 Curzon Road, I believe. The owner of a block of flats installed upvc windows without consent and CCBC requested he replace them with hardwood, as it was in a conservation area. He appealed to WG and they upheld the Council's decision. As such, CCBC now have the mandate to carry out similar enforcement actions in Conservation areas.

I think a compromise would be the best way forward. No more upvc windows to be installed and a requirement that owners replace any existing upvc windows with hardwood when the time comes to replace them.

[Cambrian]

I also remember seeing stories in the press about a similar appeal for a property (restaurant ?) in Upper Mostyn St which was dismissed too.  Given the concerns about noise etc, does anyone know if wooden double glazed units are available and how they compare price wise with UPVC ?

[Nemesis]

Yes they are! At a horrendous price.
We are a grade 2 listed building, built in the late 1840s and the windows are original. We cannot afford the cost of Heritage windows and can't do anything else, so they will have to stay put. Even some of the glass is original--very thin with wobbly bits in it !

[Ian]

What is the precise objection to PVC? The current stuff is indistinguishable from wood from any distance, cheaper and presumably better for the environment.

[DaveR]

http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/advice/windows/
http://www.southlakeswindows.com/sash-windows-in-conservation-areas.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8114881.stm

When you own a Victorian property, I think you have a duty to maintain it correctly. It all adds to the value of the property, of course. 

[Ian]

Hmmm. .I grew up in a house with original sash windows.  They were draughty, inefficient and hard to open when the cords rotted.

As far as I can see, so long as the PVC replacements are the same with regard to appearance, they should be permitted.

[DaveR]

That's the problem, Ian, they don't look the same. You can get upvc designs that looks very similar to the original wood but most people have been getting the cheapest upvc that looks tatty and cheap.

[Nemesis]

13 years ago we applied to change ours. Mostyn Estates had no objection, but CCBC told us that if we put them in we would be MADE to remove them.

[Yorkie]

I think that some onus should be placed on the replacement window sellers to understand what local regulations exist and advise potential customers accordingly!    After all they are supposed to be the "experts".

I wonder if there is a case for mis-selling as with PPI and other matters?   

[DaveR]

That's a good point, Yorkie. 

[Bri Roberts]

FYI, the mis-selling of PPI has been (and still is) regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

I am not an expert in the selling (or an alleged mis-selling of double glazing) but I am guessing the most protection an individual can expect is with some form of voluntary code of conduct for the industry.

If I am incorrect then I am sure Yorkie, or another expert, will soon correct me.

[DaveR]

Yorkie, or another expert

[Yorkie]

If I am incorrect then I am sure Yorkie, or another expert, will soon correct me.

I would hate to bore you with all the Rules, Regulations, Statutes and Laws of Contract that are set to trap any unwary charlatan!   

But, on the other hand, if you have the time to spare, it is all available on the Internet!   

[dwsi]

Llandudno hospital is currently cordoned off by police, 5 fire engines are on the scene

[Fester]

Llandudno hospital is currently cordoned off by police, 5 fire engines are on the scene

Are you close by, Forum roving reporter?

[dwsi]

nope, but All casualty is cordoned off, fire hoses going in and patients all stood outside in blankets.

[Fester]

Oooh, it will be a bloody fire alarm...

It happened to me once, at a swimming pool, in JANUARY!!! 
Stood there in bare feet, outside, wrapped in a tin foil sheet.   Not at all funny.

[DaveR]

There wouldn't be fire hoses going in if there wasn't a fire, Fester!

[Fester]

You'll see, it will be nothing.  A waste of time and money.

Getting all those firemen out of bed, or out of the gym for nothing.