Just because the building is within a conservation area, does'nt mean that a) it cannot be demolished and b) work cannot be carried out to it!goonerchamp wrote:I've just walked past the GH and could hear the sound of "work" going on behind the hoarding across from the wedding wear store - could it be someone is working on the building illegally ?
On the former issue, any building within a conservation area which is proposed to be demolished will need to have conservation area consent. I.e. it has to go through an application and then it will be decided by the council, or ultimately the Secretary of State if it is appealed. As an architect i have seen inferior buildings demolished within conservation areas, through the proper channels, to make way for development. In the case of the Greyhound, the arguements are not about personal issues such as 'i like the building', but what does it bring to the community and the streetscape as a whole. If the Greyhound is to be saved as an entity (albeit maybe the wasteful carpark developed in some way), then people need to start getting serious about the real issues.
On the latter note of work being carried out to the building 'illegally; people have to bear in mind that this building, like it or not, is owned by someone, not you or the council. The conservation area is a protection shroud over an area incorporating buildings. If the building was listed, it is a different matter, but i understand it is not? The owners are entitled to carry out work, to do with maintenance etc, which would not require conservation area consent.