<< Web Picks >> Anger as homes to be built inside Avebury's circle
Submitted by coldrum on Monday, 19 February 2024 Page Views: 13088
Neolithic and Bronze AgeCountry: England County: Wiltshire Type: HengeInternal Links:
Their views were backed by Kennet District Council's conservation team which said the houses would be seen from the huge bank of the henge and other key locations within the historic landscape.
But the district council on Friday approved the scheme by 11 votes to one, saying it represented a good solution to a difficult problem, even though it went against policies aimed at protecting the historic site.
The plan involves demolishing a former filling station and repairs garage on the Swindon Road, now used for storing vans, which is just 200 metres from the 5,000-year-old monument.
The Art Deco style structure was built in the Thirties to provide local services following the clearance of houses and businesses from within the henge during a major heritage project to re-erect the stones.
However, the scheme has dismayed UK officials who look after Avebury's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its letter to the council, they said: "The proposed development is clearly visible from the banks of the henge monument and would have a major impact on its setting, particularly during the winter months when the beech trees are without leaves.
"Although the current garage and its outlying buildings cause a certain level of intrusion, there is no justification for replacing them with housing.
"The WHS is of international significance and its sustainable management is key to safe-guarding its values.
"Simply replacing one visual intrusion with another is not a way to ensure that the site is not harmed."
The council's conservation officer said the scheme appeared to fall foul of a policy that stated "proposals which would harm the historic landscape, archaeological features or visual setting of that part of the World Heritage Site will not be permitted." But council planning officer Andrew Guest said the design of the houses, in the form of a traditional farmstead, fitted the historic pattern of the area.
He said: "Overall, it is considered that the application proposes an acceptable solution to a problem site within the World Heritage Site. By reason of the high-quality design, it would both conserve and enhance the designation, and safeguard the immediate setting of the henge.
"The fact that the development would be visible does not mean it is unacceptable.
"It is a well-thought-out proposal which would contribute positively to the character and appearance of the area."
The site also falls within an outstanding area of natural beauty but is outside the village conservation zone.
Yesterday the chairman of Avebury Parish Council, Jenny Baldrey said it was in favour of the scheme because it would remove an unsightly, semi-derelict feature. She said: "We looked long and hard at this and feel that the scheme is sympathetic solution to a problematic area
"There had been talk of turning the garage into a hotel but nothing came of it."
Article from 2008 - Source: Western Daily Press.
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