Worst of the East
Date: 11th SEPTEMBER 2006
The names of the five worst buildings in Suffolk have been published today and members of the public are being urged to cast their vote to find their least favourite.
When it was launched earlier in the summer, Suffolk Preservation Societys “Worst of the East” Competition drew dozens of nominations for public and private buildings that were considered to be eyesores. The five short listed nominations are:
Richard Ward, Director of the Suffolk Preservation Society said “these are very different buildings, but what they all have in common is a total disregard for the basic principles of good and sympathetic design, with no obvious effort made to blend in with their surroundings”.
Richard Ward continued: “good design has the ability to lift our spirits and make the environment a more enjoyable place for all of us. However bad design can do the reverse and set a poor example to others. These buildings have been selected by the people of Suffolk and show their disappointment with what the development system has produced”.
The Society is pleased to note that in relation to residential development Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has made it clear to all Councils that they should refuse proposals which are poorly designed. We hope to continue to work with others to improve design wherever and whenever possible.”
Members of the public can look at pictures and a brief description of each of the five before voting on their choice for the Worst in the East by going to the Societys website at www.suffolksociety.org and clicking on the competition link.
“We aim to present the architect if they are still in business with the first Worst in the East Award. Reflecting the nature of the issue, the award will be something suitably eye-catching!”
“The Society is fulsome in its praise for good design, but intends to shame those responsible for diluting the architectural distinctiveness of Suffolk” concluded Mr Ward. ENDS
Contact: Paul Simon on (01473) 829171 or 0776 4195331
The Suffolk Preservation Society was founded in 1929 to safeguard the buildings and landscapes of Suffolk. But for some time it has widened its focus and among other important issues has taken a lead in campaigning for more and better quality affordable homes in order to ensure balanced and sustainable communities for the future.
The Societys recent initiatives have included:
Successful lobbying to improve some aspects of the Cattle Market Scheme in Bury St. Edmunds
Outreach work on building design with local school pupils
Providing workshops on how the planning system works for parish councils and amenity societies
The annual Alfred Williams Prize to encourage first rate modern architecture
The Society has a growing membership of 2,000, drawn from all parts of the county and beyond and from people of all walks of life.