Suffolk's hidden treasure
Felixstowe South plans must be investigated
Environmental campaigners have asked the country’s leading history experts to reassess the impact a massive regeneration project would have on an important Suffolk landmark amid fears its future protection may be compromised.
Suffolk Preservation Society (SPS) has contacted English Heritage to request an investigation into the potential effect a huge regeneration project planned for Felixstowe’s south seafront could have on the historic Martello Tower.
The society fears proposals to build 158 homes, a maritime park, play area, gardens and car park on a parcel of land between Orford Road, Langer Road and Manor Terrace could compromise the 19th century building and its future protection.
It has now appealed to Suffolk Coastal District Council to delay making a decision on the plans until English Heritage has had the opportunity to respond.
“This proposal would have a profound and lasting impact on the unique setting of the historic Martello Tower,” said Richard Ward, society director. “This has caused both ourselves, and many local residents, grave concern.
“We have asked English Heritage, as the country’s experts on the historic environment, to look again at this proposal and consider its potential affect. It would make sense to us to defer the discussion of this application until after that work is complete.”
Mr Ward said the society also had concerns over the quality of the proposal and the precedent it could set for future development in the town.
“This site is critical to the future regeneration of this part of Felixstowe, and should set a benchmark for development elsewhere in the town by delivering sustainability, high quality design and architecture,” he added.
“However, we feel a lot of work still needs to be done to bring this proposal up to the standards we should all be aiming for. We would urge the council to seek improvements from the applicant – before it is too late.”
The Suffolk Preservation Society was founded in 1929, originally worked to protect the county’s buildings and landscape. Today, the society has broadened its focus to help shape Suffolk’s future, largely campaigning for sensitive and appropriate development, more and better quality affordable homes and to ensure sustainable infrastructures are in place to support the county’s communities.
For more information please contact:
Richard Ward, SPS director, on 01787 247179, or Liz Hearnshaw at Zenith Public Relations on 01284 760025.
Suffolk Preservation Society (SPS) has contacted English Heritage to request an investigation into the potential effect a huge regeneration project planned for Felixstowe’s south seafront could have on the historic Martello Tower.
The society fears proposals to build 158 homes, a maritime park, play area, gardens and car park on a parcel of land between Orford Road, Langer Road and Manor Terrace could compromise the 19th century building and its future protection.
It has now appealed to Suffolk Coastal District Council to delay making a decision on the plans until English Heritage has had the opportunity to respond.
“This proposal would have a profound and lasting impact on the unique setting of the historic Martello Tower,” said Richard Ward, society director. “This has caused both ourselves, and many local residents, grave concern.
“We have asked English Heritage, as the country’s experts on the historic environment, to look again at this proposal and consider its potential affect. It would make sense to us to defer the discussion of this application until after that work is complete.”
Mr Ward said the society also had concerns over the quality of the proposal and the precedent it could set for future development in the town.
“This site is critical to the future regeneration of this part of Felixstowe, and should set a benchmark for development elsewhere in the town by delivering sustainability, high quality design and architecture,” he added.
“However, we feel a lot of work still needs to be done to bring this proposal up to the standards we should all be aiming for. We would urge the council to seek improvements from the applicant – before it is too late.”
The Suffolk Preservation Society was founded in 1929, originally worked to protect the county’s buildings and landscape. Today, the society has broadened its focus to help shape Suffolk’s future, largely campaigning for sensitive and appropriate development, more and better quality affordable homes and to ensure sustainable infrastructures are in place to support the county’s communities.
For more information please contact:
Richard Ward, SPS director, on 01787 247179, or Liz Hearnshaw at Zenith Public Relations on 01284 760025.
About
© 2009 Created by Felixstowe Radio on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network
