They can be emailed to
Planning.Representations@drs.glasgow.gov.uk by 30th November 2012.
My objection letter reads as follows:-
Planning
& Development
Glasgow
City Council
231
George Street
Glasgow,
G1 1RX
Dear
Sir/Madam
Reference
Number: 12/02178/DC
Proposal:
Removal and Restoration of Statues in George Square
I
am writing to strongly object to the proposal to remove, for cleaning
/ restoration, the statues, and monuments, in George Square, with the
exception of the Cenotaph. The reasons for my objection are:-
The
application is Contrary to DES 3 - Protecting and Enhancing the
City’s Historic Environment.
The
heritage and significance of George Square and its Statues are not
protected by this proposal. It
is noted that Glasgow rose to become of international importance, as
the British Empire’s Second City, during the 19th
Century and early part of the 20th century. The
statues, created
and placed within George Square over this period, and surrounded by
significant civic buildings, provide a symbolic representation of
the Glasgow's role as one of the world’s best-preserved Victorian
cities. The statues contribute immeasurably to the identity and
grandeur of George Square.
This
Square is the main public space and sits
at the civic heart of this great city, as a very important aspect
within Glasgow’s Central Conservation Area. Any development at this
site should enhance or preserve the character and appearance of
the whole Conservation Area.
Glasgow,
known as a City of Architecture, a cultural icon within Europe, as
well as home of renowned architecture genius should protect and value
this collection of
high quality statues. The city is exceptional in having these unique
statues gathered in one central focal place. It is vital that the city
seeks to celebrate this significant heritage, cultural and economic
asset for the enjoyment of its citizens and visitors.
There
is a Central Conservation Area Appraisal adopted
by Glasgow City Council in February 2012 which states on p. B144:
“Refurbishment of
George Square (LOC 10) The late Victorian layout of George Square has
become confused and cluttered by later alterations, and the
poor-quality tarmac surfacing detracts from the quality of the space.
The square would benefit from traffic management measures, sensitive
reconfiguration and upgraded public realm to a quality of design and
materials appropriate to its significance at the civic heart of
Glasgow (City Plan 2, Part 2, Sect 7.39).
A
conservation plan
is needed to
identify the key historical components of the square and to ensure
that their interest is recognised and maintained in any redevelopment
proposals.”
There
is no Conservation Plan, Action Plan and/or masterplan developed and
published for George Square. It is unacceptable that the
proposals for George Square (the current application to remove and
restore the statues being but aspect) are being progressed without
even a draft of such a conservation plan, which would be a
pre-requisite to safeguard the square and ensure there is a
satisfactory outcome.
Contrary
to “Site of Special Landscape Importance” status of George
Square
George
Square has status as Site of Special Landscape Importance (SSLI021)
and is an area covered by Environmental
Designations including policies ENV 7.
This proposal does not demonstrate how
the proposed development will enhance all of the statues which are
the landscape characteristics of the Site of Special Landscape
Importance. The
proposal has to meet the required design principles to restore
this important landscape within our city’s historic heritage; a
collection of statues rivalled by few other cities in the world.
Lack
of Specification Details
a)
“Sir Walter Scott” statue is
by far the largest monument, but there is a lack of the details of
works given for all other significant statues. This is essential
information which must be provided to the public.
b)
Plinths for most of
the statues – there is no indication provided about intentions for
the “Plinths”. As the plinth is an integral part of the artistic
creation, each must remain with its statue. Plinths also carry
the historic inscriptions. This essential information must also be
available to the public.
Planning
Permission issues
Planning
approval is needed for the permanent removal of statues from George
Square. This is due to George
Square being designated a Site of Special Landscape Importance
(SSLI), located in the Central Conservation Area of Glasgow and as it
is within the curtilage of significant listed buildings. It is
recognised that if the Council takes action to relocate any statue(s)
permanently, without the planning approval than it would be breaching
its own planning regulations.
Significant
change to the landscape will take place if the proposal is granted
for statue removal, and it is therefore expected that planning
permission would have to be granted at the same time for a new design
for George Square, to “preserve or enhance the character of the
Conservation Area” and to take account of SSLI status. Therefore a
condition is required if this application 12/02178/DC is granted. It
should explicitly require the
pre-requisite of additional planning approval for any changes to
George Square resulting from any relocations of statues, by means of
inserting a condition of consent.
It
is not acceptable for the heritage value of George Square to be
diminished as would result from what is proposed. I strongly oppose
this application which will neither
enhance nor preserve the character and appearance of the Central
Conservation Area.
Thank
you for your consideration of my views.
