Feb 24 - Heritage Trust Addresses Northern Defences Wall Removal
With recent protest against the removal of a section of wall as part of the Government’s proposed plans to the refurbishment of the Northern Defences, the heritage Trust has touched upon the issue and their involvement in the process.
A spokesperson for the Trust noted that the stability for the wall in question has been of concern for many years. They insist that the two issues are the significance of the wall and whether it is in repairable condition. The Trust has delved into the history of the wall in order to tackle the first matter, discovering that it was built post 1771 and pre 1850 as a boundary, and also to serve defensive purposes.
Touching upon whether the wall is in dangerous condition the Trust insists that three condition surveys and structural reports have been carried out, and have pointed to the poor condition of the wall. The newest report notes that it could pose a danger if left indefinitely and so may require partial demolition and rebuilding.
The Trust added that this was the background for the application of demolition and the move being put before the DPC. The Trust’s position at the meeting was to advocate a precautionary approach to the demolition in favour of maintaining the integrity and authenticity of this wall, unless it was deemed unsafe in which case they would advise partial rather than full demolition and a possible reconstruction.
