Comment

Southend Central Area Action Plan (SCAAP) Preferred Approach 2015

Representation ID: 2035

Received: 02/02/2016

Respondent: Mr Michael Victor Davies

Representation Summary:

In para 192, it mentions a proposed large development area known as Marine Plaza", and that "The site offers potential for taller and larger buildings" However, I feel that this proposed development requires carefully consideration as regards its impact on the local area. Has the Council considered the following aspects?
The Kursaal is a historic landmark in a historic seaside town. A tall, multi-storey building right next to it will completely overshadow it, and in my view, look totally out of place. I believe that any building plan should take the current building style into account. In my view, the proposed development may well not do that. If this proposal goes ahead, it will probably not be sympathetic with the existing architecture, and character of the area.
I realise that the developers need to make a reasonable profit from their endeavours, and building upwards is always a good way of achieving that end. However, the people of Southend will be the ones that have to live with the result, not the developers, who may not live in the area, and therefore it may not be too much of a consideration for them. A local example of a development that does not fit into the local scene can be found not far away, along the Cliff tops near the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff. There are two high rise buildings along there. One is Westward Ho, which has 10/11 storeys (depending on whether you count the ground floor). A little further along is Tower Court, rising 16 storeys into the sky. What a couple of eyesores they are! In my view they should never have been given planning permission. These two buildings look totally and completely out of place. But, now, of course, it's too late. They will remain there, in all their 'glory', and outlive us all. Once mistakes like that have been made, that's it. End of story. There's no going back. Demolition, (although desirable!), is not a realistic option now.
In my view, they are on a par with what's now being proposed for the Seaway area. Two nearby cliff top buildings, Stratton House (7 storeys?) and Heathfield House (5 storeys?), are about the same height as the historic Westcliff Hotel (5 Storeys), and the former Overcliff Hotel (long since demolished), and so, don't look too out of place. In my view, a similar approach should be taken with the proposed Seaway development.
Another example is- in the 1960s, a long string of tall, square office blocks were thrown up along Victoria Avenue. They now look like shabby eyesores. They served their purpose at the time, of course, but I hope that Southend Council will consider these examples, and bear the future in mind.