Proposal to protect iconic Bath views wins council group backing
Calls have been made for some of Bath's iconic and historic views to be protected in the same way that listed buildings are.
Former heritage minister John Penrose, who is the MP for Weston-super-Mare, made the proposal in an article in The Daily Telegraph and has received the backing of Bath and North East Somerset Council's Conservative group.
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Calls have been made by John Penrose, inset, for some of Bath's iconic and historic views, such as the Royal Crescent, to be protected
Mr Penrose believes English Heritage, the Government and Unesco should introduce special protection for England's best urban views, such as the Royal Crescent, as part of a new, streamlined system of architectural conservation.
He said: "I'm absolutely delighted that people up and down the country have expressed an interest in my proposals.
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"Bath, in particular, is blessed with many beautiful buildings and streetscapes, so I'm pleased that its local Conservative councillors agree with the idea and are ready to lobby the Government about it.
"I hope we can build up the kind of momentum that's needed to put the issue firmly on the political agenda."
The idea would be to simplify the current system, where issues such as a site's status as a World Heritage Site or conservation area are taken into account when making planning decisions.
Under the proposed listing system, particular views and streetscapes would instead be given special protection, making the system more straightforward for developers while ensuring that iconic views are preserved for future generations.
Councillor Geoff Ward (Con, Bathavon North), said "We think the idea of creating a listed status for iconic views is an excellent one.
"Clearly in an area like B&NES there are many cherished views which could benefit from such a protection."
Comments
by Viscount_V
Thursday, January 10 2013, 10:44PM
“Geoff Ward, your days as a councillor will be short. How is a "view" more important than homes for the soon to be homeless??”
by Imp-Act
Thursday, January 10 2013, 7:53PM
“BV_BV The population is rapidly growing so houses HAVE to be built where and when required AND that would be on the green belt areas. IF we didn't do this in say the Bath area then the alternative would have to be lots of skyscrapers. You could have a great view of the Royal Crescent then. Also lets NOT forget that the R/Crescent has had it's views spoilt over the years by the introduction of the railway (dirty steam/smoke engines) and the giant gas works. We HAVE to go with the flow or just stand still!”
by BV_BV
Thursday, January 10 2013, 5:36PM
“Calls have been made for some of Bath's iconic and historic views to be protected in the same way that listed buildings are.
Why only some of Bath's iconic and historic views?
Which are the unfortunate views that are not being included?
The skyline at Lansdown (Granville Road) now has major houses where countryside recently prevailed.
Are there any plans afoot that require the Royal Crescent to be protected?”