Historic building in Rhos-on-Sea could be saved from demolition as listing request is mooted

An historic building linked to a man who invented a flying machine 50 years before the Wright brothers could be reprieved from demolition.

Larkfield Manor House, on Rhos Road, Rhos-on-Sea, along with St Trillo’s Church Hall on Elwy Road, are subject of an application to demolish and replace them with 17 flats by Cartrefi Conwy.

However, new applications for notification of prior demolition have been put in on behalf of St Trillo’s Church Ltd by Heswall firm Felton PM, for both properties occupying the same area of land.

The council has to reply within 28 days to the prior notification or the  applicant can carry on and demolish the property.

The applications were logged on April 21, meaning demolition could commence on May 19 if there’s no response.

Campaigners Friends of Larkfield House have been battling the development, arguing the structure is of historical significance and should be a listed building with the protection that offers.

They have been supported in their quest by Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who alerted Welsh Government ministers to the issue on the group’s behalf.

Now it seems the building, latterly a care home, could be in with a chance of a reprieve after Conwy council confirmed it is awaiting a photographic survey so it can begin the local listing process with Cadw.

A council spokeswoman said: “Once this process has been completed, the application will be reported to committee.

“Most likely, by the time the application is reported to committee, Cadw will have considered the listing request.”

The building belonged to the well known Cayley family – one of whose number invented a flying machine while living at the family’s Yorkshire home, five decades before the Wright brothers managed the feat.

Sir George Cayley’s glider, The Cayley Flyer built in 1853, paved the way for the Wright Brothers to get off the ground exactly 50 years later – something the brothers acknowledged after they made their own piece of history.

Cadw has been approached for comment on whether the application will be stalled while it looks at the buildings.

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter