THE shortcomings of the planning process were plain to see at last week's committee meeting, where it was decided to pull down the Piano Building.

Arguments seemed to be produced on the spur of the moment. This piecemeal approach means planning is unplanned by councillors and the only vision for Weavers' Wharf is that of the developers.

Originally there were three industrial mills offering a possibility of conversion into an area of real character which would be a magnet to visitors. It was possible to imagine a theatre and music venue, a museum and a cinema in the town centre. Now we may be left with one mill, standing alone in an alien environment of car parks and identikit sheds.

The only cultural facility we may get is the cinema, which is the one most vulnerable to commercial risk. That risk is even greater with this site than the one at Crossley Park. Councillors have pinned their hopes on cinema-goers competing for scarce parking space with shoppers or using the bus. The Piano Building could be pulled down, only for the cinema enterprise to fail.

At last Tuesday's meeting the Piano Building never stood a chance. One councillor, blissfully unaware of Kidderminster's reputation for pulling down much of its heritage, said it was "only one building". This is a convenient argument which he can produce on every such occasion. Another councillor, similarly unaware that all its windows are bricked up, described it as "dark and gloomy". More worryingly, various speakers showed a parochial contempt for the supporters of the Piano Building.

The firm opposition of Councillors Carter, Martin, Paterson, Salter and Tomlinson to the decision of their colleagues shows there is still substantial concern about the fate of the town's heritage.

The struggle will go on to protect the Piano Building and get a cinema at Crossley Park. We are encouraged by the admission last Tuesday that the council's appointed architects have clearly stated the Piano Building is repairable. It remains a disgrace that no plans for its renovation have ever seriously been examined.

N GILBERT

Town Centre Group

Kidderminster Civic Society

Tynings Close, Kidderminster