CIVIC NEWS September 2013
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Scarborough & District Civic Society CIVIC NEWS September 2013 Scarborough Civic Society welcomed Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies to Woodend pictures by Cyril Oliver of YHACS Early in July the quarterly regional meeting of Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies was held in Scarborough at Woodend which was an ideal venue for the meeting. Our visitors were interested to hear about the history of the building and impressed with the business Civic Society with Civic Voice concept which has ensured the future of an All Scarborough Civic Society members are important listed building. It was especially members of Civic Voice which is offering our appropriate when the delegates heard Jo Hill from members free admission to English Heritage and the Architectural Heritage Fund talk about her National Trust properties. If you would like obtain work and how the AHF can help organisations your free passes please either email thinking about embarking on a building [email protected] or phone 01723 379912. restoration project. Jo listed many examples of We can issue a Single Admission Pass per member buildings which had been saved around Yorkshire. and the pass is subject to certain conditions. English Heritage have a buildings at risk register which is updated annually keeping many important neglected buildings in the public eye and hopefully maintained to a minimu m standard before a new use can be found. Nearer to home Jan Cleary of Friends of Dean Road Cemetery (picture right) talked about their experience in restoring the Dead House and their ambition to restore the Dean Road Chapel ENGLISH HERITAGE building. Adrian Perry detailed some of the Civic Society These passes are a gift from Civic Voice in restoration projects which have been completed in partnership with English Heritage and the National Scarborough. (see page 3) Trust. Valid until 31 Dec 2013. There is still plenty of time to use these passes so make sure you request yours! Scarborough & District Civic Society SCARBOROUGH CIVIC SOCIETY HELPS Secretary’s Report LAUNCH CIVIC DAY By Adrian Perry The “For Sale” signs have finally On Monday June 10, members of Scarborough appeared on Filey Road Sports Civic Society Adrian Perry, Chris Perry and Michael Centre and the former Wainwright joined Secretary of State for Weaponness Park & Ride site. I Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles have previously expressed doubt MP, Members of Parliament, Civic Voice, and other about this very complex scheme Civic Societies at the Houses of Parliament in which has been embarked upon in order to build a new football ground and sports hall. I express doubt mainly because we already have a sports hall on Filey Road which has been neglected over many years but with some proper investment could be made into a wonderful sports centre. The Filey Road sports pavilion, which is now a listed building so presumably safe from destruction was designed by the architect Edwin Cooper, whose birthplace, 44 Nelson Street, Scarborough, is recognised by one of our blue plaques. The pavilion was completed in 1912 to provide facilities for the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Club. It is still in use providing facilities for the Sports Centre. The grandstand was built in 1922. The ground and pavilion were taken over by Scarborough Council in 1935. From 1948 until the 1960s some of the best tennis players in the world Westminster, London to mark the launch of this came to play in August (after Wimbledon): Fred year’s annual Civic Day event. Perry, Frank Sedgeman, Don Budge, Ken Autumn Planning Report Rosewall, Pancho Gonzales, Butch Buchholz, Lew By Chris Perry Update of previous report: Hoad, Jack Kramer. The venue was considered Construction of one 3 bedroomed house at 10 second only to Wimbledon. In 1974 by the Weaponness Park, Scarborough 12/01028/FL. addition of new buildings the Sports Centre was The society has objected strongly to this garden established. This year tennis again came to the grabbing proposal in the Weaponness fore when Andy Murray matched Fred Perry’s Conservation Area. Application refused. The success in 1936 and became the men’s champion applicant has now lodged an appeal against the at Wimbledon. It seems that again Scarborough’s council’s decision. timing couldn’t be more out of kilter as they plan Proposal to site one 77.9 metre (tip height) wind to sell off this asset to finance the building of a turbine at Willerby Wold Pig Farm, Old Malton football stadium. Filey Road is the home to a Road, Staxton 12/01026/FUL. This application beautiful complex of tennis courts which we are refers to land in Ryedale District Council area. planning to destroy; so what is the future for The Society has objected. Application refused. tennis in Scarborough? No doubt there will be a The applicant has now lodged an appeal against scrabble round to find some provision on some Ryedale District Council’s decision. other site but will it match what we have today? New applications When will we stop creating problems for Change of use of part of ground floor from office ourselves? to shop; creation of new first floor flat; What a wonderful summer it has been. I hope that replacement windows in uPVC at first and second you were able to make the most of the excellent floors, at 2 Somerset Terrace, Scarborough weather. We made the most of Scarborough’s 13/00481/FL. The Society sent a letter of delights with wonderful performances of the objection because it was felt that the alterations Scarborough Spa Orchestra on sunny mornings in were not of a high enough standard to enhance the sun court. While at these events it was very the Conservation Area. We particularly objected gratifying to watch people spending time reading to the use of uPVC replacement windows. the Civic Society “Paint the Town” information Application permitted. board. Maureen Robinson has a regular article in Conversion of disused hotel into 10 2 bedroom the Scarborough News and she described the apartments, Read’s Hotel, North Marine Road board in this way: “ Seek a handsome information 13/00668/LB. The Society sent a comment board, ‘Scarborough Spa at Night’, dated 1879, pointing out that this application is contrary to which is the reproduction of a painting by Francis policy L5 of the Local Plan. That policy states that Sydney Muschamp. It was produced during the the change of use of hotels with over 30 bed Spa’s 19th century heyday.” Happenings like spaces will not be permitted. However, the these make all the hard work done to complete application was approved by Planning Committee. these Civic Society projects seem worthwhile. 2 Heritage Society Restoration Projects Proposed Sea Defence Works in front The Water Fountains on Ramshill Road which of The Spa were restored by the society in 2012 & 2010 A number of different groups have expressed outright opposition to the proposal to have rock armour placed on the beach in front of the Spa. As yet the Civic Society hasn’t made any public comment other than it is very difficult to find anyone who likes the idea of this area being changed in such a radical manner. However there is also the view that the Spa complex which is a grade II* listed building deserves protection. Hence the dilemma which needs to be worked through very carefully. Can the future of the Spa Complex be ensured by other means than rock armour and if so what are they? I think this is where we have to ask our local councillors to work on our behalf. They represent us and should make our fears and concerns known to the officers of the council. If you are completely opposed to the rock armour concept then now is the time to make your concerns heard. There is still time to influence the decision makers. One The planting done by the Scarborough Council such letter received the following response from Parks depart ment in the water trough is excellent Tom Fox: (The letter is too long to be published in and really brightens up this area. this journal but this is a small section of his reply) Shuttleworth Oak Shelter 2011 This information is still being appraised by officers but early indications are that the preferred option may change. At this stage it is too early to state what the outcome might be, and is anticipated that it could be presented to the Council’s Cabinet, possibly as early as July 2013. (Editors note: date already passed) The Council wants to protect the coast for all to enjoy safely in the most sensitive manner possible, but also whilst addressing the problems in a responsible manner and minimizing the financial impact upon the Council and wider community by meeting all of the essential criteria set by the Environment Agency to receive their Valley Garden Gates in 2008 financial support for the solution and attracting the maximum grant aid. Last, it is important that the Council, in seeking to arrive at a final, lasting decision, engages with the residents, business and community interests to both appraise and listen to views and to facilitate this I will ensure Cabinet includes recommendations to this. Tom Fox Leader of the Council Clearly the issue is still to be decided so again I urge you to make your local councillors aware of your feelings on this important matter. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THE Just a few of the Civic Society projects to improve NEWSLETTER FOR A FRIEND PLEASE ASK AT ANY Scarborough’s street scene and increase Civic MEETING AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN THE Pride in the town.