A BATTLE to transform a tram shelter into a tourist information style café has hit another "frustrating" hurdle. Developer Frank Gorka has fought for four years to gain planning permission to re-develop the site on West Parade, Llandudno. Health and safety problems were addressed and at the end of last year Mr Gorka finally gained permission for a refreshment and gift shop, to the delight of many residents and councillors.
This week the Llandudno developer faced further problems with the lease of the listed building. Cllr Brian Bertola, Llandudno Town Council's Community Services Committee Chairman, said a decision would have to be made by the county council to surrender the lease to Mr Gorka.
He said: "It is extremely frustrating. When we overcome one hurdle, we come across another. A number of people have had a long term interest in the building. At one point the University of Wales were the lease holders and the church.The building has been vandalised. It is in a poor state of repair. I am just thankful Mr Gorka has stood by us through all this. Many developers would not.
Mr Gorka said "The tram shelter is in a terrible state. Plastic windows have had to be put in, people have been sleeping in there. I want to do the same sort of thing as I did on the Great Orme at West Shore. It was originally the pavilion and this is what I would like to call the building, Pavilion Refreshments."
Cllr Billy Evans, Former Mayor of Llandudno, argued the shelter is an eyesore. He said: "I feel sorry for Mr Gorka. It is always something else, health and safety, problems with crossings. When I go down to West Shore there is nothing for the tourists. We will keep supporting him."
Frank Gorka is not a 'developer'. as the article above would have you think. He is actually a philanthropist, and someone who has dedicated a large part of his life to improving Llandudno. He is also a totally decent human being, and one who has been treated appallingly by Conwy CC, as have so many others. It's now four years since he offered to take on the burden of the Tram shelter, and improve it for the locals and visitors. But does Conwy CC see it that way? Of course not. But then, Llandudno has never, ever been helped by Conwy CC, has it?
This week the Llandudno developer faced further problems with the lease of the listed building. Cllr Brian Bertola, Llandudno Town Council's Community Services Committee Chairman, said a decision would have to be made by the county council to surrender the lease to Mr Gorka.
He said: "It is extremely frustrating. When we overcome one hurdle, we come across another. A number of people have had a long term interest in the building. At one point the University of Wales were the lease holders and the church.The building has been vandalised. It is in a poor state of repair. I am just thankful Mr Gorka has stood by us through all this. Many developers would not.
Mr Gorka said "The tram shelter is in a terrible state. Plastic windows have had to be put in, people have been sleeping in there. I want to do the same sort of thing as I did on the Great Orme at West Shore. It was originally the pavilion and this is what I would like to call the building, Pavilion Refreshments."
Cllr Billy Evans, Former Mayor of Llandudno, argued the shelter is an eyesore. He said: "I feel sorry for Mr Gorka. It is always something else, health and safety, problems with crossings. When I go down to West Shore there is nothing for the tourists. We will keep supporting him."
Frank Gorka is not a 'developer'. as the article above would have you think. He is actually a philanthropist, and someone who has dedicated a large part of his life to improving Llandudno. He is also a totally decent human being, and one who has been treated appallingly by Conwy CC, as have so many others. It's now four years since he offered to take on the burden of the Tram shelter, and improve it for the locals and visitors. But does Conwy CC see it that way? Of course not. But then, Llandudno has never, ever been helped by Conwy CC, has it?
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