Gravesend's Heritage Quarter plans are 'rotten' says heritage group
by Alan Watkins
awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk
Ten years after a developer began an uphill battle to win
support from Gravesend residents for the redevelopment of its
Heritage Quarter, the latest plans have been condemned as "rotten,
hideous and a blight" by local historians.
Edinburgh House has carried out numerous discussions, public
consultations, and submitted plan after plan without yet getting
planning permission. Its latest plans are currently out for
consultation before consideration by the council. They include the
proposed view along West Street (see
above).
Gravesham Heritage Association is the latest to object to the
plans which could attract hundreds of millions of pounds of
investment in the area.
Tony Larkin (right), the
association’s secretary, said: "The Eastern Quarter around the
market square would look even worse than the hideous new block
stuck behind the Clarendon Royal Hotel.
"What Edinburgh House propose nearby at the market is far bigger
and will look even worse."
The Western Quarter would be ridiculous, he said. Along Bath
Street buildings will be up to nine storeys tall.
"That is ridiculously high for a supposed Heritage Quarter," he
argued.
They fear the number of small flats will
attract buy-to-let landlords, and quickly become slums.
"Is that what we want for our town?" Mr Larkin asked.
"Our great fear is that once passed this plan will act as a
blight on any future, more appropriate plans to build something
smaller or renovate the existing historical area in a more
respectable manner," Mr Larkin said.
"We hope the members of the deciding regulatory board show
greater vision for Gravesend and have the courage to vote against
this rotten scheme for the good of our town."
Richard Hughes, development manager for Edinburgh House, said
support was overwhelming.
“The overall size of the development is now smaller, with about
100 fewer homes and all are of a practical size, with most flats
having two bedrooms. The one-bed flats range up to 65sq m and
two-beds up to 80sq m.
“ Market Square and Horn Yard in the
Western Quarter will be transformed
The number of apartments – approximately 330 – fit the latest
survey needs by Gravesham council. The highest point of the Western
Quarter is no taller than any existing building and none of the
buildings facing St George’s Church would be higher than its
guttering.
“The new retail space has been designed to attract major high
street stores not in the town, reinforcing Gravesend as a shopping
destination, reversing leakage of shoppers and attract new
shoppers.
“The plans will create more than 900 jobs, 550 of which will be
permanent, with the aim to employ as many local organisations as
possible."
06/02/13
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