Positive message on built heritage and architectural conservation must be heard

12.44.00am GMT Fri 18th Jan 2008

Alliance Economy spokesperson Cllr Ian James Parsley

Alliance Economy spokesperson Ian James Parsley has called on the Executive to commit to Northern Ireland's built heritage through proofing all policies for their impact on architectural conservation, adding that this was an essential aspect to re-balancing the economy and delivering on its commitment to sustainability.

Speaking at the launch of an Ulster Architectural Heritage Society exhibition in Downpatrick to celebrate its 40th anniversary, the North Down Councillor stated: "One thing which unites us all in Northern Ireland is our strong sense of local identity, which is tied into the environment around us, including the architecture of our cities, market towns and villages. That alone illustrates the importance of our built heritage.

"There is an unmistakable economic case too. Not only is local architectural identity important to tourism, but it is also important to a local sense of well being. Towns with a strong sense of local identity expressed through their architecture make the most attractive locations for business, and for successful people to set up home.

"Furthermore, Executive claims to wish to prioritise 'sustainability' are directly contradicted by policy commitments so far, including the basic removal of the requirement to make new homes sustainable and their failure to provide a new direction for planning. Immediate reform of planning is required not only to ensure new-build homes and offices are sustainable, but also to ensure that new buildings are designed with a view to conserving and improving local architectural policy.

"I have been delighted to see the success of the Holywood Old School Campaign, and I am delighted that this evening's event has given so many people the opportunity to compare notes on how groups across County Down can promote an architectural future based on preserving strengthening the strengtheningthe local identity. I strongly welcome the commitment expressed here tonight not to conservation for its own sake, but to renovating old buildings for modern community use, and to developing design methods for new buildings which have a positive impact on the environment around us.This is essential for residents and tourists alike."

ENDS