A POLITICIAN has requested a meeting with the National Trust as efforts are made to protect a historic landmark.

Campaigners say Kinmel Hall, a French-style Edwardian manor, only has another five years in its current condition before further damage including roof collapses will mean it is beyond repair.

Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) said it is having discussions with owners Acer Properties to carry out the work at the site which it acquired in 2011 with a plan to build a hotel.

Campaign groups Friends of Kinmel Hall (FKH) and SAVE have called for action to be taken before it is too late.

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd West, said: “This magnificent property, known as the ‘Versaille of Wales’, was built in 1876 and is Wales’ largest country home. Kinmel Hall has been empty since 2001 and is now falling into a state of serious disrepair. The extent of the damage has led to the hall being identified as one of the top ten at risk Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the United Kingdom and the future of the building as a whole remains bleak and uncertain.

“Kinmel Hall is of national, cultural and historical importance and would be a perfect addition to the National Trust’s property portfolio.

“I am have therefore written to the National Trust asking them to meet with me and representatives of The Friends of Kinmel Hall, a campaigning group established to save this special building, to discuss any potential role that the National Trust may be able to play in protecting this important part of our heritage.

“The Friends of Kinmel Hall have worked hard over the years to try to safeguard this magnificent building and substantial sums have been invested into it in the past.

"Allowing it to fall into a permanent state of decline and disrepair is simply not an option and I vow to help The Friends of Kinmel Hall in every way I can to save it from this fate.”

It is understood that potential buyers of the site have been in contact with the council with informal redevelopment proposals including a private house, business school and tourist attraction.

Rosie Burton, a local authority conservation officer for 20 years, chairman of the Institute for Historic Buildings in Wales, and FKH member, said: “Action should be taken to save the building as once you have lost the historic fabric you’ve lost it. You can recreate it but that is not the same.

“This is such a fascinating building and rare survival of that type of building in Wales. The gardens used to be spectacular too.

"It is always better to deal with these things as soon as possible."

The building, around 500ft long, is said to have been inspired by the 17th century Chateau de Balleroy, Normandy and Hampton Court Palace in Twickenham.

A CCBC spokesperson said the council is in ongoing discussions with Acer Properties to carry out the work.

“At the moment, the owners are taking positive steps and are in the process of making arrangements to carry out repairs to the property,” the spokesperson said.

“Although the matter is under review we do not consider that enforcement action is necessary at this present time.”