May 05 – GSD Says Heritage “Is Too Important for Party Politics”
The GSD says it notes the increase in public concern over the “threat” by developers to the community’s built and natural heritage and urges the Government to commit to a “durable plan to protect and preserve our legacy for future generations.”
GSD MP with shadow responsibility for Heritage Roy Clinton said:
“I recently attended the Heritage Trust’s quarterly debate on ‘How high is too high?’ including a discussion on the Protected Views document jointly produced with GONHS and ESG. I was encouraged by the public attendance to discuss the topic but dismayed at the general lack of faith in politicians to do what is right for the community. The four-year political cycle seems to blind Governments and encourage them to commit sins against our heritage while justifying this by highlighting purported sins committed by previous administrations. A case in point being the proposed development at Hargraves Parade which the Government defends as not being as bad as the Engineer Lane car park, while ignoring that the whole scheme is contrary to the 2009 Development Plan and should not even be considered. This is truly a sad state of affairs and it is no wonder the public feel they have to resort to online petitions to get their views across. ”
The GSD says it feels that part of the solution to protecting against inappropriate development is for the Government to enact what it describes as the “long overdue” Heritage and Antiquities Act and give the Heritage Trust powers to veto projects that affect our heritage. The other part of the solution, according to the Opposition, is to respect the 2009 Development Plan and if necessary revise it with full public consultation.
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