BYCRONANSCANLON
DONEGAL County Council planners have again been severely criticised for failing to protect buildings in Heritage Towns against demolition and modern developments.
A member of The Tops Heritage Group in Raphoe spoke out this week after the council failed to take any action against a developer who, four years ago it is alleged, illegally demolished an historic building in the town.
Shanagard House, an 19 century Georgian building in the middle of the town which was part of Raphoe Castle, was razed to the ground overnight in January 2003.
Notes in the council planning file said that the illegal demolition was "more likely than not" carried out by the owner of the property at the time which was local developer JH Craig Ltd.
Planners in the Letterkenny Electoral Area and Lifford refused to discuss or comment on the issue despite dozens of requests over the past ten months from the Donegal News.
However, just as the paper was going to press we received a statement from Senior Planner, Ms Helena O'Toole.
"At this stage it would not be appropriate to comment further in order not to prejudice any possible future action by the Council," Ms O'Toole said.
Ms Harte also hit at some detractors who claim that heritage groups like the one she represents are "objecting to everything".
The Shanagard House site was subsequently sold to the current developer, Shercloon Developments, who also bought the old Raphoe Hardware premises and was granted permission for a large retail and apartment development.
A number of groups objected to the development on the grounds that it was insensitive to the existing architecture in the Heritage town.
The developer withdrew his application before an An Bord Pleanala (ABP) oral hearing was due to take place and plans have been re-submitted following consultation with the objectors.
The new plans will allow for the original facade of the buildings to be retained.
COUNCIL'S JOB
However, Ms Harte said that local groups are doing the council's job and should not have to vet the suitability of new developments.
"I am involved with heritage groups in Raphoe and I feel that so many buildings in the town are being allowed to fall into ruin or be demolished," Ms Harte explained.
"The Council are doing nothing to ensure that the proper planning is being adhered to in a Heritage town and that will be lost forever.
It (Raphoe) is going to end up like one of those towns with no character where all the buildings look the same, just like what happened in Letterkenny. We have spoken to the current owner of the site and he understands our concerns. However, the council should have done that in the first place and made sure it was in keeping with the character of the town. Instead it was up to me and other people in the community to do their job.
"We are not against modern buildings but stand for the promotion of our Heritage town," she said.
Ms Harte also criticised the council for not taking any action over the illegal demolition of Shanagard House.
"Shanagard was a 19th century country building that was razed to the ground overnight and there was absolutely no action taken by Donegal County Council. The council even went as far as granting planning permission for a new block of flats on the same site," she said.
While admitting that the old building can not be put back, she said that she looks forward to the day when a similar type building is built in its place.
"I am really concerned for places like Raphoe and Ramelton where the council do not take on board the heritage of these towns when dealing with planning applications.
"Convoy has been turned into an urban sprawl and no consideration has been given to its village status. Towns and villages like it are simply becoming dormitory towns of Derry and Letterkenny. Raphoe is a unique town in that it still retains its diamond and its character and this will have huge tourist potential in years to come if its preserved".
'OBJECTING TO EVERYTHING'
Meanwhile, Ms Harte, reacted furiously to allegations that her group were "objecting to everything" that is going on in Raphoe.
"We only objected to the design of that building and not the fact that something was being built there," she explained.
"I am very very angry at any suggestions that me or anyone else are against development in this town. That is absolutely not the case and could not be further from the truth. We welcome new development and are working hard to develop the area as a tourist and business destination for the benefit of everyone.
Some people allowed this town to fall into wreck and ruin. I totally and absolutely reject that allegation. We have a heritage town at heart and Donegal County Council should have the same. We have no objections to new buildings as long as they reflect the character of the town.
The council are totally and absolutely failing in their duty in that regard and they did nothing against the person who demolished this building (Shanagard House)".
Ms Harte concluded by posing a question to critics of her group.
"Would the same people in Raphoe be happy if the castle was knocked down and replaced by a modern building"?
