Our New Lanark

The local authority acknowledges that this decision is contrary to its local plan and that there is no overriding need for this proposal. However, Historic Scotland’s astonishing advice that the proposed development would have no significant impact on the World Heritage Site was decisive.

This position flies in the face of any reasonable interpretation of the designations the area enjoys. The nomination documentation for World Heritage Status described New Lanark’s landscape setting as being “essential” to its Outstanding Universal Value. An explicit assurance to protect the buffer zone from quarrying was included in the nomination, signed by the then First Minister, Donald Dewar.

Such abandonment of recent commitments and disregard for current policies undermines the integrity of Scotland’s planning and heritage protection systems. The objection letters signed by 12,000 members of the public indicate the extent of concern.

Having established a world-renowned heritage site, with significant local regenerative benefits besides, Scotland’s international reputation is at risk. We therefore welcome the government’s decision to call in this application.

(PROF) MARK STEPHENS FRSA

Save Our Landscapes

(DR) PETER BURMAN MBE

Garden History Society in Scotland

(DR) JAMES SIMPSON OBE

International Council on Monuments and  Sites UK

(PROF) MICHAEL LYNCH FRHistS, FRSE, FSAScot

Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland

MARCUS BINNEY CBE

Save Britain’s Heritage

(PROF) MAIREAD NIC CRAITH MRIA

Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

(PROF) MARCUS  KOEHLER

Technical University, Dresden

ARTHUR BELL CBE

New Lanark Trust 2003 -2013

GRAHAM U’REN

Former Director Royal Town and Planning Institute in Scotland

(PROF) DAVID ADAMS FRTPI

University of Glasgow

(PROF DR) AXEL KLAUSMEIER

Director, Berlin Wall  Memorial Foundation

(PROF DR) LEO SCHMIDT FSA

Brandenburg University of Technology

(DR) MARION HARNEY

University of Bath