KIDDERMINSTER CIVIC

SOCIETY STATES ITS CASE

THE views of the society have already been succinctly stated but a short re-statement is clearly necessary if your readers are not to be deluded by the statement of the developers in your last issue.

The historical facts are that from 1996 to 2001 no cinema was shown on any plan of the development. In October 2001 the council revealed discussions but confirmed that 16 operators had declined to come to the site.

Now they talk of two potential operators, one of which is believed to come from another EU country with one cinema in the UK. The planning permission for demolition (granted prior to listed building status) imposed strict conditions which, if unfulfilled in two years, would cause the permission to be annulled.

The question posed in this "referendum" is an argument which should not be taking place as both the cinema and the Piano Building are required to enhance Kidderminster.

The basic problem arises directly out of the council's decision to allow piecemeal development of the site instead of sticking to its original plan of a unified development passed in 1996.

Readers should be aware that even if the developers apply for listed building consent for demolition, the application cannot be determined by Wyre Forest District Council.

The Secretary of State will decide after consultation with English Heritage, CABE, Save Britain's Heritage and others.

Having been only recently listed after representations by these bodies, is it likely that permission will be granted?

What next? Either the developers, who have only come to Kidderminster for financial and not altruistic reasons, must use their much-vaunted redevelopment skills and really invest in the building for our benefit or the council may have to buy it and solve the problem itself.

Put simply, that is the law.

The society wishes to have direct dialogue with the developers and can be contacted by telephoning Nick Hughes on 01562 822295.