No plan for seafront is a concern for developer

12:10pm Saturday 6th September 2008

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A DEVELOPER planning the £1.3 million renovation and development of a Penarth Esplanade building has slammed the Vale of Glamorgan Council for ‘not having a plan’ for the town’s seafront.

Richard Hayward, managing director of RH Properties, is behind a scheme to renovate Beachcliff - home to Chandlers restaurant - and install eight luxury flats in the upper two floors.

But after a recent meeting with Vale Council chiefs, the Cardiff-based developer was told to revise the plans.

Mr Hayward said: “Originally we wanted an extra floor on top of the building because the existing one is completely rotten and we wanted to give it a grander look.

“The building is in a very poor state and has been for some years.

“But after meeting with Gordon Kemp (Vale Council Leader), it seems the council just want more of the same.

“Penarth deserves better for a building of this importance.

“The local authority should be encouraging us to produce something worthy of the area.

“It makes you wonder what they want for Penarth, it’s very frustrating.

“Penarth has got all the things a local authority would love to have,” he added.

“But the Vale Council don’t even appear to have a plan for the seafront.

“It’s mind boggling.”

Scaffolding is still erected around Beachcliff after preliminary work began in April.

Architects working for RH properties are currently finalising revised plans for the building, which are expected to go before council planners in two weeks.

Rob Quick, Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration, said: "The Council continues to work on a number of projects to improve the Seafront. "It is working in partnership with Penarth Arts and Crafts Limited to renovate the Pier Pavilion and has allocated £800,000 to the scheme. It is entering into an agreement with developers to convert the Italianate Shelter into a restaurant. It has also been improving the maintenance regime both on the Pier and along the seafront. "The Council is always happy to work with developers to improve the area and looks forward to firm proposals from Mr. Hayward to improve his properties which are extremely prominent on the seafront."