Apr 28 – GSD Questions Planning And Heritage Decisions
The GSD says it notes the concerns expressed by the Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Heritage Trust in the Gibraltar Chronicle about the erosion of Gibraltar’s old town and some of the decisions approved by the DPC in recent years.
A statement from the party highlights the areas of concern: “These have included not only Block E of the Police Barracks, which the 2009 Gibraltar Development Plan provided for the retention of the entire facade of this iconic building, but also the Building at 44 Town Range. The Town Range development involves the building of a seven storey block of flats (ground floor plus seven stories) within the walls of the City and runs contrary to the Gibraltar Development Plan which does not allow such tall buildings within the City Walls. In addition, Town Range has many Georgian buildings and we believe this development will be out of character with those buildings. The same applies to the enormous extension to No 6 Convent Place just a few metres down the road. As far as the Police Barracks are concerned, the façade should have been saved. This is what the GSD Government did with the façade of the new Magistrates Court in Town Range, even though it undoubtedly added to the complexity of the project. What we are seeing is a disregard for the 2009 Gibraltar Development Plan.”
Edwin Reyes, Shadow Heritage Minister said: “It is a shame we are losing so many of our historical buildings and facades. It is all very well to open up the DPC meetings to the public but many of the decisions being made are questionable. Of course these latest decisions do not take into account the still outstanding proposed Europa Point stadium upon which no decision has yet been made. Hopefully a decision will be made before and not after the General Election”.
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