Dorset Magazine is the latest publication to cover the Society’s campaign to block the designation of land close to Lawrence’s grave in Moreton, Dorset, for the quarrying of sand and gravel.
Under the headline Bid to block proposed Dorset quarry that would encroach on Lawrence of Arabia’s final resting place, the online edition of the magazine reports that the Society’s Vice-Chair Alan Payne has called on Dorset County Council to rethink the proposals which would adversely affect the historic and environmental importance of Moreton.
Dorset Magazine’s coverage can be read HERE.
The campaign has also been reported by BBC Radio Solent and appeared in the Daily Express (HERE), while the Dorset and Bournemouth Echos reported that Dorset County Council has been forced to extend the consultation period by a month to 23 October 2015 (HERE).
More than 330 people have now signed an online petition, Let Lawrence of Arabia Rest in Peace; while Historic England, the national body that looks after England’s historic places, has challenged Dorset County Council, demanding that “the significance of the affected heritage assets and their setting must be understood to ensure their significance is safeguarded.”
Alan Payne this week added a comment to the Society’s representation to Dorset County Council’s consultation as follows:
“Bearing in mind that Moreton is a designated Conservation Area, Government advice contained in Planning Practice Guidance, Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment, makes it quite clear that the setting of a ‘heritage asset’ should be safeguarded:
‘The extent and importance of setting is often expressed by reference to visual considerations. Although views of or from an asset will play an important part, the way in which we experience an asset in its setting is also influenced by other environmental factors such as noise, dust and vibration from other land uses in the vicinity, and by our understanding of the historic relationship between places.’
I would strongly suggest that if Dorset County Council wants to proceed with this proposed disastrous allocation, it explains to the public why it is ignoring this national policy and advice.”
The petition can be found HERE while Dorset County Council’s consultation site where representations may be made is HERE (go to Appendix A: Site Allocations, then to site AS-25, Station Road, Moreton).