This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2013/jun/16/the-big-issue-heritage-and-planning

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Heritage: The threat facing our most precious sites is ever greater Heritage: The threat facing our most precious sites is ever greater
(4 months later)
Many readers will have been shocked at your revelation that Unesco is so concerned at the threat to our heritage from ill-considered developments that it is considering adding three further UK world heritage sites to the "endangered" list, including the Houses of Parliament ("Westminster's world heritage status at risk as Unesco condemns plan for skyscrapers", News).Many readers will have been shocked at your revelation that Unesco is so concerned at the threat to our heritage from ill-considered developments that it is considering adding three further UK world heritage sites to the "endangered" list, including the Houses of Parliament ("Westminster's world heritage status at risk as Unesco condemns plan for skyscrapers", News).
Sadly, those of us working in the heritage sector know this to be the tip of the iceberg. English Heritage has had its government grant reduced by nearly 40%, while Cadw and Historic Scotland have also suffered significant reductions. Local government cuts have seen the loss of more than a third of the conservation officer posts working in planning departments.Sadly, those of us working in the heritage sector know this to be the tip of the iceberg. English Heritage has had its government grant reduced by nearly 40%, while Cadw and Historic Scotland have also suffered significant reductions. Local government cuts have seen the loss of more than a third of the conservation officer posts working in planning departments.
Not only have conservation services been weakened in this way, but those that remain do not have the ear of chief officers and, dispiritingly, face the continual threat of redundancy. Where now is the confident and independent conservation voice that will advise planning committees against the kind of poor development and short-termism revealed in your article?Not only have conservation services been weakened in this way, but those that remain do not have the ear of chief officers and, dispiritingly, face the continual threat of redundancy. Where now is the confident and independent conservation voice that will advise planning committees against the kind of poor development and short-termism revealed in your article?
It appears that government has decided that we can no longer afford to protect our heritage; a heritage that is the cornerstone of our tourism industry, a major player in efforts to regenerate our towns and cities, the cherished setting for our daily lives and recognised as among the most important in the world.It appears that government has decided that we can no longer afford to protect our heritage; a heritage that is the cornerstone of our tourism industry, a major player in efforts to regenerate our towns and cities, the cherished setting for our daily lives and recognised as among the most important in the world.
Jo EvansJo Evans
Chair, the Institute of Historic Building ConservationChair, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation
Tisbury, WiltsTisbury, Wilts
Regarding Unesco's determination to preserve chunks of the planet in aspic, or perhaps even amber, London's joy and the reason it kicks Paris and Rome into touch is its vibrancy and variety and that it challenges convention and history, as well as preserving what truly matters of its past. If Big Ben can't be seen from all directions from miles away, so what? And speaking as someone who occasionally worked in the crumbling shame of Elizabeth House as is, it's less of a buffer zone, more of a health risk. Developing it in no way detracts from the value of the Palace of Westminster and its environs' cultural significance or impact, and I rather doubt will dilute its attraction as a tourist destination.Regarding Unesco's determination to preserve chunks of the planet in aspic, or perhaps even amber, London's joy and the reason it kicks Paris and Rome into touch is its vibrancy and variety and that it challenges convention and history, as well as preserving what truly matters of its past. If Big Ben can't be seen from all directions from miles away, so what? And speaking as someone who occasionally worked in the crumbling shame of Elizabeth House as is, it's less of a buffer zone, more of a health risk. Developing it in no way detracts from the value of the Palace of Westminster and its environs' cultural significance or impact, and I rather doubt will dilute its attraction as a tourist destination.
Mike NoakesMike Noakes
WinchesterWinchester
HampshireHampshire
To your excellent leading article, "Unesco's verdict shames our planners", I would like to mention the Southbank Centre. It might not be a Unesco heritage site, but this ever-popular and functional cultural hub was designed in a harmonious and durable style by architects with vision and an understanding of the best of the brutalist style, a style that has always been misunderstood and abused.To your excellent leading article, "Unesco's verdict shames our planners", I would like to mention the Southbank Centre. It might not be a Unesco heritage site, but this ever-popular and functional cultural hub was designed in a harmonious and durable style by architects with vision and an understanding of the best of the brutalist style, a style that has always been misunderstood and abused.
Now, without a mandate, developers and ignorant guardians of our patrimony are at it again. It is impossible to see or appreciate the architecture through all the vulgar neon frontages, hodgepodge of various pop-ups, add-ons and stands, chain restaurants and shops. And yet the Southbank Centre management is actually raising money to continue this attack , with no clear architectural vision.Now, without a mandate, developers and ignorant guardians of our patrimony are at it again. It is impossible to see or appreciate the architecture through all the vulgar neon frontages, hodgepodge of various pop-ups, add-ons and stands, chain restaurants and shops. And yet the Southbank Centre management is actually raising money to continue this attack , with no clear architectural vision.
Why must ignorant planners and councillors destroy what they cannot understand – in this case 1950s and 1960s architecture?Why must ignorant planners and councillors destroy what they cannot understand – in this case 1950s and 1960s architecture?
Joyce GlasserJoyce Glasser
London NW3London NW3
I would draw your attention in particular to the situation at Hampton Court where, at the railway station, it would appear that the various council authorities are being suborned – no other word for it – by developers intent on driving through massive change at the expense of local amenities, the railway hub and the palace itself. In one respect, this shows the government totally adrift of a sense of the history that they are also intent on promoting. The slighting of Hampton Court goes against the very grain of Gove's endeavours, let alone the full panoply of planning and local endeavours to maintain due decorum of the environment at so sensitive a location.I would draw your attention in particular to the situation at Hampton Court where, at the railway station, it would appear that the various council authorities are being suborned – no other word for it – by developers intent on driving through massive change at the expense of local amenities, the railway hub and the palace itself. In one respect, this shows the government totally adrift of a sense of the history that they are also intent on promoting. The slighting of Hampton Court goes against the very grain of Gove's endeavours, let alone the full panoply of planning and local endeavours to maintain due decorum of the environment at so sensitive a location.
SW MassilSW Massil
London N8London N8
THE BIG ISSUE HERITAGETHE BIG ISSUE HERITAGE
Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning.