International group backs Maryport housing battle
Last updated at 21:39, Thursday, 13 October 2011
An international conservation organisation has joined the battle to stop a 152-home estate from being built in Maryport.
It comes as townsfolk were due to meet last night in a last-ditch attempt to halt the development.
The UK National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites has urged Allerdale council to refuse permission for the plan by Story Group for houses on the Deer Park field, off Netherhall Road.
It said the site’s archaeological assets were of national and international importance.
The international council is recognised by the Government as having special status in regard to World Heritage sites.
It plays a leading role in implementing the world heritage convention and is an advisor to Unesco on matters relating to world heritage in the UK.
Chairman David Thackray, head of archaeology for the National Trust, claimed in a letter to Allerdale council that Story Group’s proposal contradicted eight planning policies and would have a highly detrimental impact on the setting of the World Heritage Site.
An application has been made to persuade the Government to intervene by the Senhouse Museum Trust.
Peter Greggains, trust chairman, has written to the Government because the trust said the development would “irrevocably and permanently destroy a vital historical site”
He said English Heritage’s decision to support the planning application meant it fell to him, as chairman of an independent charitable trust responsible for preserving and displaying a unique collection of Maryport Roman artefacts, to request the Secretary of State to call in the application.
He claimed this was because the proposed development conflicted with national policies on the management of World Heritage Sites.
Mr Greggains added: “This development could have significant effects by damaging the credibility and reputation of the World Heritage Site, both nationally and internationally.”
First published at 19:20, Thursday, 13 October 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
Fully agree - currently the last thing Maryport needs is more housing. Not sure the 'romans' are the salvation for the great West Cumberland Port but best of luck Peter .......
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I am sure there must be property in other parts of maryport more suitable for such development,
why distroy a historicle and beautifull
piece of land, shame on who ever wants to do that,
Posted by Joyce on 29 October 2011 at 10:18