Official: despite Huw Thomas’ denials, Cardiff Council could list city pubs to protect them

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Rhys ap Owen, MS recently asked a question in the Senedd 'How is the Welsh Government encouraging local authorities to list buildings locally, given that authorities such as Cardiff Council has not listed a building since 1997?'

In answer, Dawn Bowden, MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sports said: 'Cadw encourages local authorities to produce local lists through its day to day communications with conservation staff in local authorities. Cadw has also produced comprehensive guidance promoting local listing but it is ultimately a matter for each authority to decide on the priority it allocates to such activity. I wrote to the Leader of Cardiff City Council last November on this subject, suggesting that the Council may wish to consider updating its local list to include pubs in the city that may be under threat.'

Given that Cardiff Council has not listed any buildings since 1997, can we conclude that this activity is a very low priority for the council? It is also interesting that the Deputy Minister has written to Huw Thomas - he has previously said that there is little the council can do.

Also interesting that Head of Planning Simon Gilbert has recently acknowledged that the Council has the power to locally list buildings and issue Article 4 directions to remove permitted development rights from demolition (see the Environment Scrutiny Committee’s recent report on the replacement development plans).