Over on the forum many people have expressed their amazement at the comments made by English Heritage in relation to the proposed Mill Bay development to demolish a perfectly good building that is over 100 years old and build a five storey pastiche in its place (in a conservation area).
The proposed building will block out the views of the terraces from the beach, and the view of the beach from the terraces as pointed out by Mike Wootton.
Graham Steaggles from English Heritage stated in his most recent letter to the council …
Overall we welcome the revised scheme, provided that given the style of architecture proposed, this is given careful attention to detail and further refinement in order to ensure authenticity and a clear conviction of the scheme.
It was signed off with …
There is no need to consult English Heritage further on this application.
Many people feel let down by English Heritage and their attitude towards this proposal to demolish a 140 year old building and replace it with something brand new, no matter what the style is.
English Heritage seem to be ignoring the impact on the wider environment and focusing just on the actual building.
The assumption is that English Heritage is there to preserve our heritage, not there to sign off letters supporting demolition.
I have contacted English Heritage and they are in the process of preparing an official statement which they hope to get to us tomorrow or at the very latest, by Friday.
Watch this space!
