The Georgian Group steps into the debate by calling for the County Council to review its tarmac plan and have regard for its legal duty to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Prom.
The national amenity society, The Georgian Group, has thrown its weight behind Cheltenham Civic Society – with a Georgian Group spokesperson saying today:
“The Georgian Group are concerned to learn of plans to resurface part of Cheltenham’s historic Promenade, replacing existing characterful York stone slab paving with asphalt tarmac.
“The Promenade is a highly important historic thoroughfare in Cheltenham’s excellent Regency townscape, and the traditional stone slab paving contributes strongly to its historic character as part of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area and to the setting of several listed buildings.
“Replacing the flagstones with tarmac will consequently dilute and erode the historic character and significance of both the Promenade and the wider conservation area.
“We hope that Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council will work positively with Cheltenham Civic Society and other stakeholders to review the scheme and develop a sustainable solution to maintaining the Promenade, giving due regard to the local authorities’ legal duty to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Promenade as part of the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area.”
Civic Society Chair, Andrew Booton, said: “The Georgian Group reinforces the statutory duty that GCC and CBC have to preserve and enhance the conservation area. It is a legal duty, not guidance or a recommendation. It is a must not may direction.
“Gloucestershire County Council cannot pretend their plan is just a maintenance issue. They think they can act without due regard to the law and without consultation.
“Put simply, GCC cannot just rip up the York stone and replace it with tarmac. To do so would fundamentally change the character and appearance of this part of the Central Conservation Area.
“That would amount to damage to the conservation area instead of preserving or improving it. The only lawful response is for GCC to repair and reinstate the stone flags.”
