After an appropriate period of letting some grass grow over a previous failed attempt at misusing a communal bathing beach area for commercial purposes, the Brewery’s agents are on the warpath again. With a flood of glossy sketch plans and some glib heritage talk we enter phase II.
I’m not concerned here with the viability of their concept, that’s their problem. As long as it does not interfere with or endanger our bathing beach and Mole. Does it? Well, alone the type and degree of building against limited land-use should raise the hackles of any professional planner.
If it had been a hotel as before, peace. But it isn’t, is it? It’s now ten times plus the size. It now boast conference facilities, whatever do they need the beach for. Private apartments, I suggest they make do with what is available in designated zones and not plonk themselves where they are not wanted. Shops on the beach, where there should be Cafe’s and Restaurants.
And, what happens when the newfangled corporate security phobia comes into play? Nowhere has this been mentioned at all so far. Are we gonna have patriot airport security at both ends? Nor did anybody mention the servicing requirements with all its unsightly snot and trane. Lets face it, whatever will be left for general public-use is hardly worth mentioning. Nor will anybody want to go there with this overblown leviathan breathing down their necks. Then there is the proximity of it all to the Mole promenade itself, hardly enough space for three abreast without this monstrosity.
Speaking as a retiree, I must confess, it does not really concern me overmuch any longer. But as far as the younger ratepayers are concerned, I would think it well worth your while giving it your best shot to try and preserve what is rightfully yours before the hedgefunds take over.
Let them drill for oil in their own front lawn!