Response to the Generic City Centre Masterplan
The Generic Civic Society has submitted its formal response to the Council's consultation on the emerging City Centre Masterplan. While welcoming the ambition to revitalize the city center, we have raised significant concerns regarding proposed building heights in the Town Centre redevelopment zone.
The Town Centre Proposal
The current proposals suggest buildings of up to 5-6 storeys in the central area. The Society believes this is excessive and out of character with the historic grid and the predominantly low-rise skyline of Generic City. We argue that any development here must respect the views of the Cathedral spire and not create a "canyon effect" in the narrow streets.
Our response highlights the following key points:
- Skyline Impact: The proposed heights would compete with the Cathedral and local churches.
- River Corridor: We advocate for a wider green buffer along the River to enhance biodiversity and public access.
- Design Quality: We urge the Council to mandate a design code that reflects local materials (flint, brick, stone) rather than generic cladding.
Next Steps
The consultation period closes on July 1st. We encourage all members to submit their own comments to the Council, echoing these concerns where they agree. The Society will be attending the upcoming public hearing to present our case directly to the planning inspectors.
You can read our full 12-page technical submission in the Resources section.