Subject: Re: REVIEW of EOI ATISN 27021
From: Sion Buckler
Direction: sent
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:47 UTC
Institution: Welsh Government / Cadw
Refs: ATISN27021
Archive id: gm-19f4ced2ae8529da
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ms Longford,
Thank you for your response and for the time taken to clarify Cadw's
current position regarding ATISN 27021.
I note your confirmation that:
Great House Farm was inspected for statutory listing on 29 July 1988;
the two photographs formed part of that listing assessment;
the "YYY" code on the reverse of the photographs indicated that the
building did not meet the listing criteria;
no official listing file has been located; and
apart from the two photographs, no further records have been identified.
I am grateful for those clarifications.
As this request is being considered under the Environmental Information
Regulations 2004 (and, where applicable, the Freedom of Information Act
2000), and bearing in mind the EIR's presumption in favour of disclosure, I
would be grateful for one further clarification regarding the scope of the
searches undertaken.
Contemporary newspaper reports from December 1988 indicate that Cadw was
actively engaged with a number of parties during its consideration of Great
House Farm. These reports refer to:
Cadw considering emergency ("spot") listing;
discussions with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical
Monuments of Wales;
comments made by a Cadw spokesperson explaining why the building did not
satisfy the listing criteria; and
public statements regarding the architectural and archaeological
significance of the site.
Given those contemporary reports, could you please confirm whether the
searches undertaken for ATISN 27021 specifically included records such as:
internal memoranda;
inspector-to-management correspondence;
briefing notes;
file notes and telephone notes;
meeting records;
press office files, media briefings or press releases;
correspondence with the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical
Monuments of Wales;
correspondence with the Welsh Office;
correspondence with the local planning authority, conservation officers or
other public bodies;
ministerial submissions or briefing papers; and
any other correspondence, whether internal or external, relating to the
consideration of Great House Farm for statutory listing.
The public interest in ensuring that all environmental information has been
identified is considerable. Great House Farm was a site with a recorded
history extending over approximately 800 years, associated with the
historic manor of Llandough, incorporating significant historic fabric
including the coach house and outbuildings, and lying within the wider
context of the Marconi wireless experiments at Lavernock. It had also been
the subject of a 1974 public petition concerning its preservation and, as
confirmed by Cadw, was sufficiently significant in 1988 to warrant
consideration for emergency ("spot") listing. These factors underline the
importance of establishing whether any additional environmental information
relating to Cadw's assessment survives.
Finally, if the official listing file and/or any associated correspondence
once existed but are no longer held, I would be grateful if you could
clarify Cadw's records management position by confirming:
whether any retention schedule applied to those records;
whether any authorised destruction took place;
whether any destruction certificate, disposal log or other records
management documentation exists;
if no such documentation exists, whether this is because no destruction
record was created or because any such record is itself no longer held.
My intention is simply to establish whether any further environmental
information relating to Cadw's consideration of Great House Farm survives
beyond the two inspection photographs already disclosed.
Thank you again for your assistance, and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Sion Buckler
On Fri, 10 Jul 2026, 08:57 , <[email redacted]> wrote:
> Dear Mr Buckler
>
>
>
> Many thanks for the below email and follow up questions, for clarity I
> have responded to each in turn. I hope this helps provide the clarity you
> are looking for.
>
>
>
> 1. *Documentary basis of the original response *
>
> The two photographs illustrate that the building was inspected for listing
> and ‘yyy’ reference on the reverse of the photograph was the coding at the
> time to signify that the building did not met the criteria to be listed.
>
> 2. *The inspection of 29th July 1988*
>
> The photographs are dated 29/07/1988 and would have been taken as part of
> the listing assessment. The practice was to keep all photographs separate
> from the official file in a cabinet. No official file containing additional
> information has been located and the Records Department have indicated that
> the documentation from 1988 has, most likely, been destroyed.
>
> 3. *Basis for the statement that records may have been destroyed. *
>
> No destruction record exists. An official in the Records Department
> provided this advice based on their experience and understanding of the
> records within their management.
>
> 4. *Scope of the searches *
>
> I can confirm that the searches included all 8 categories
>
> 5. *Welsh Government’s position.*
>
> I can confirm that the building was considered for listing, however other
> than the 2 photographs provided, no other records survive.
>
>
>
> Kind Regards
>
>
>
> Amy
>
>
>
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/59wkfSM/Cadw-large.png]
>
>
>
> *Amy Longford IHBC MRTPI*
>
> Uwch Arolygydd Adeiladau Hanesyddol, Parciau a Gerddi
>
> / Senior Inspector of Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens
>
> Amgylchedd Hanesyddol / Historic Environment
>
> Cadw
> Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
> Ffôn / Tel: [phone redacted]
>
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/CVwfkw2/Cadw-er-lles-pawb.png]
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/NxJvcfW/For-us-all-to-keep.png]
>
>
>
>
> Ymunwch â Cadw
>
> Join Cadw
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Sion Buckler <[email redacted]>
> *Sent:* 04 July 2026 03:41
> *To:* Longford, Amy (LCC - Cadw) <[email redacted]>
> *Subject:* Re: REVIEW of EOI ATISN 27021
>
>
>
> 👍🏻
>
>
>
> On Fri, 3 Jul 2026, 12:00 , <[email redacted]> wrote:
>
> Dear Mr Buckler,
>
>
>
> Many thanks for the email. This is a courtesy response to say that I will
> review your questions below and aim to get a response back to you by the 17
> th July.
>
>
>
> Kind Regards
>
>
>
> Amy
>
>
>
> *From:* Sion Buckler <[email redacted]>
> *Sent:* 02 July 2026 21:01
> *To:* Longford, Amy (LCC - Cadw) <[email redacted]>
> *Subject:* Re: REVIEW of EOI ATISN 27021
>
>
>
> Dear Ms Longford,
>
> Thank you for your letter of 2 July 2026 responding to the internal review
> of my Freedom of Information request (ATISN 27021) concerning Great House
> Farm, Llandough.
>
> I appreciate the additional searches undertaken during the review and the
> explanation provided regarding the physical record series examined.
>
> However, having considered both the original response of 11 June 2026 and
> the outcome of the internal review, I would be be grateful if you could
> clarify a number of points which appear to remain unresolved.
>
> *1. Documentary basis of the original response*
>
> The original response stated that Great House Farm was visited and
> assessed by Cadw inspectors and that the building did not satisfy the
> statutory listing criteria.
>
> The internal review now confirms that no assessment, report or case file
> relating to that decision has been located and further states that any
> relevant file may have been destroyed before being entered onto the
> electronic records system.
>
> Please therefore identify the documentary basis upon which the original
> response concluded that the property was assessed and found not to meet the
> listing criteria.
>
> Specifically:
>
> - Is that conclusion derived from a surviving record?
> - If so, please identify that record.
> - If not, please explain how that conclusion was reached.
>
> *2. The inspection of 29 July 1988*
>
> The original disclosure included two photographs dated 29 July 1988.
>
> Please confirm:
>
> - whether those photographs were taken as part of a formal listing
> inspection;
> - whether they formed part of a wider inspection file;
> - whether any inspection notes, recommendation forms, field notebooks,
> photographic registers or other associated records were created; and
> - if such records once existed, whether they are now believed to have
> been destroyed.
>
> *3. Basis for the statement that records may have been destroyed*
>
> The review states that it is possible documentation dating from around
> 1988 was destroyed before being entered onto the electronic records system.
>
> Please clarify whether that statement is based upon:
>
> - documentary evidence relating specifically to Great House Farm;
> - records management documentation such as retention schedules,
> destruction registers or disposal logs; or
> - a general understanding of historic records management practices.
>
> If no destruction records exist for the relevant file series, please
> confirm this.
>
> *4. Scope of the searches*
>
> Please confirm whether searches extended beyond the registered listing
> files to include, where appropriate:
>
> - ministerial correspondence;
> - senior officials' correspondence;
> - legal files;
> - inspector's working papers;
> - site visit records;
> - archaeological or conservation files;
> - policy records; and
> - correspondence with external organisations, including the Vale of
> Glamorgan Council, the former Welsh Office and other heritage bodies.
>
> If any of these categories were not searched, I would be grateful if you
> could identify which.
>
> *5. Welsh Government's position*
>
> Finally, I would be appreciate clarification of the Welsh Government's
> position regarding Great House Farm.
>
> Does the Welsh Government's position now amount to one of the following:
>
> - that Great House Farm was never considered for statutory protection;
> - that it was considered, but the records no longer survive; or
> - that it is no longer possible to determine whether consideration
> took place because the relevant records are unavailable?
>
> If none of those accurately reflects your position, I would be grateful if
> you could explain what the Welsh Government's position is.
>
> These questions arise directly from the original response and the internal
> review and are intended to clarify the historical record rather than seek
> the creation of new information.
>
> I look forward to your response.
>
> Yours sincerely,
>
> Sion Buckler
>
>
>
> On Thu, 2 Jul 2026, 08:10 , <[email redacted]> wrote:
>
> Dear Mr Buckler
>
>
>
> Please see attached my review of your request noted ATISN 27021.
>
> Please let me know if you have any questions or queries.
>
>
>
> Kind Regards
>
>
>
> Amy Longford
>
>
>
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/59wkfSM/Cadw-large.png]
>
>
>
> *Amy Longford IHBC MRTPI*
>
> Uwch Arolygydd Adeiladau Hanesyddol, Parciau a Gerddi
>
> / Senior Inspector of Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens
>
> Amgylchedd Hanesyddol / Historic Environment
>
> Cadw
> Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
> Ffôn / Tel: [phone redacted]
>
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/CVwfkw2/Cadw-er-lles-pawb.png]
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/NxJvcfW/For-us-all-to-keep.png]
>
>
>
>
> Ymunwch â Cadw
>
> Join Cadw
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Sion Buckler <[email redacted]>
> *Sent:* 16 June 2026 09:10
> *To:* Longford, Amy (LCC - Cadw) <[email redacted]>
> *Subject:* Re: REVIEW of EOI ATISN 27021
>
>
>
> I suspected so.
>
>
>
> Thanks Amy.
>
>
>
> I look forward.
>
>
>
> Sion
>
>
>
> On Tue, 16 Jun 2026, 05:08 , <[email redacted]> wrote:
>
> Dear Mr Buckler,
>
>
>
> Many thanks for the quick response and for confirming your position. I
> totally understand and whilst the letters may appear formal, there are set
> templates to use for a review, I will bear this in mind whilst taking this
> forward.
>
>
>
> Just to let you know, I have had initial conversations internally which I
> will continue. I will keep you updated as best as I can.
>
>
>
> Kind Regards
>
>
>
> Amy
>
>
>
> *From:* Sion Buckler <[email redacted]>
> *Sent:* 16 June 2026 05:38
> *To:* Longford, Amy (LCC - Cadw) <[email redacted]>
> *Subject:* Re: REVIEW of EOI ATISN 27021
>
>
>
> Ms Longford,
>
> Thank you for the acknowledgement letter and for handling the internal
> review.
>
> For the record, my communications with Cadw have been enquiries and
> requests for information under FOI/EIR (ATISN 27021), specifically
> regarding the statutory listing history, assessments and related records
> (including the 1988 inspection photographs) for the building known as Great
> House Farm / Ty Mawr / Church View Close. I subsequently requested an
> internal review of the response provided.
>
> This was not framed or intended as a formal complaint. I would therefore
> be grateful if the matter could be treated and recorded as an information
> request and internal review under FOI/EIR, rather than as a complaint.
>
> My enquiries concern Cadw's functions in relation to the listing and
> assessment of the building only.
>
> Regards,
>
> Sion Buckler (Ret'd Sergeant)
>
> Military Cyber & Electronic Warfare Professional
>
> Life Member: Royal Corps of Signals
>
>
>
> On Mon, 15 Jun 2026, 12:44 , <[email redacted]> wrote:
>
> Dear Mr Buckler
>
>
>
> Many thanks for your email requesting an internal review of you EOI
> request, I will be the case officer dealing with the review, please see the
> attached acknowledgement letter with key dates. Any questions, please let
> me know and I will do my best to help.
>
>
>
> Kind Regards
>
>
>
> Amy
>
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/59wkfSM/Cadw-large.png]
>
>
>
> *Amy Longford IHBC MRTPI*
>
> Uwch Arolygydd Adeiladau Hanesyddol, Parciau a Gerddi
>
> / Senior Inspector of Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens
>
> Amgylchedd Hanesyddol / Historic Environment
>
> Cadw
> Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
> Ffôn / Tel: [phone redacted]
>
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/CVwfkw2/Cadw-er-lles-pawb.png]
>
>
> [image: https://i.ibb.co/NxJvcfW/For-us-all-to-keep.png]
>
>
>
>
> Ymunwch â Cadw
>
> Join Cadw
>
>
>
>
>
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> protection of your data seriously. If you contact the Welsh Government then
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> explains how we use your information and the ways in which we protect your
> privacy. We welcome receiving correspondence in Welsh. Any correspondence
> received in Welsh will be answered in Welsh and corresponding in Welsh will
> not lead to a delay in responding.
>
> Sganiwyd y neges hon am bob feirws hysbys wrth iddi adael Llywodraeth
> Cymru. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn cymryd o ddifrif yr angen i ddiogelu eich
> data. Os cysylltwch â Llywodraeth Cymru, mae ein hysbysiad preifatrwydd
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> Government takes the protection of your data seriously. If you contact the
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>
> explains how we use your information and the ways in which we protect your
> privacy. We welcome receiving correspondence in Welsh. Any correspondence
> received in Welsh will be answered in Welsh and corresponding in Welsh will
> not lead to a delay in responding.
>