Gherkin (From Penarth Times)

Gherkin

Following your report on December 2 about the 'Gherkin' development, I would like to clarify one or two points.

The so-called 'amended' plans should more appropriately be called 'supplementary' plans. They were prepared at the request of the Vale council, and deal with tangential matters, such as the infrastructure of roads and car parking and the shadow that the building would cast at various times of day and at various times of year. The original plans are unaltered.

Letters objecting to the design and dimensions laid out in those plans earlier this year are still valid, and will be taken into account when the Vale council's planning committee meets to consider them early in the new year.

An additional task before the committee will concern listed building consent, as marine buildings are Grade II listed.

As your article mentioned, both sets of plans can be seen at West House. Those who balk at the idea of wading through a couple of kilos of text and drawings might well go straight to the March 04 plans, drawing number 30, 'proposed north elevation,' from which the full shattering impact of the building may be gauged.

Anyone wishing to examine a copy of this alone is welcome to ring me on Penarth 029 2070 8079, and I will be pleased to show them.

Graham Robertson,

Chairman, Penarth Society.