The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) has been granted the right to a judicial review of Northern Ireland’s environment minister Alex Attwood’s decision to approve the demolition of the Athletic Stores building in central Belfast.
UAHS writes:
The High Court decision permits UAHS to challenge the demolition approval, which we believe would set a damaging precedent and lead to the further erosion of our already small stock of historic buildings.
A recent study into the economic value of the historic built environment, commissioned by the Department, highlighted the significant economic value of such assets.
Every effort must be made by its officials to defend buildings like this linen warehouse, not just for their architectural and historical importance but for the contribution they can make to long–term economic prosperity.
Our challenge is based on a number of grounds, including the undue weight attached by the Department to short–term economic considerations and the failure to fully explore alternatives to demolition.
The full hearing will be held in January 2013.
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