Beachcliff (From Penarth Times)

Beachcliff

I WRITE with my views on the planning application for demolition and rebuild on Beachcliff Buildings, Penarth Esplanade (housing Rabbiotti"s, DeCourcey Marketing Suite and Chandlers).

The artist"s impression was not clear. Please go and see the plans at the Vale Offices.

A new build will completely block the Esplanade for up to two years. An underground car park is proposed and the soil taken from this area will require heavy building contracting vehicles to remove this. There will be deliveries of building materials and heavy machinery operating.

Incidentally, the car park will have no impact on or assist with the present parking problems on the Esplanade. It will just provide additional parking to meet the 19 units proposed.

A refurbishment would be contained to the area of the building itself.

New builds are all about the maximum amount of money that can be got from an area of land.

A refurbishment is most definitely possible - it will just mean that the developer cannot get as much profit, yet a good profit can still be made.

Do we really want Penarth to look like any other town in the UK with a new contemporary design, or do we want to preserve our heritage and fight for the wonderful buildings we do have here?

Windsor Court buildings have tried to restore some character back to a concrete disaster.

The materials in a new build have a short life span in comparison to a traditionally built building and major refurbishment will be required in about 10 years time.

If this building goes, what is the point of a Conservation Area?

This building can be restored to its former glory despite rumours to the contrary.

The Vale of Glamorgan Planning Committee meet on June 8 to discuss this application.

For those of you who care about the future of Penarth Esplanade please write in with your opinions.

Name and address

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