Mavisbank
- The Alternative
Friends of
Mavisbank
"Friends of
Mavisbank" has been formed to ensure that the growing concerns generated
by the Mavisbank Trust's proposals are recognised, and that the house and
grounds are protected from potentially damaging and inappropriate development
resulting from their plans for restoration.
In particular we are concerned at the scale of the
proposed development plans, which aim to spend some £7,000,000 of civil works
in this landlocked corner of the valley. We fear the area will be overwhelmed
and its unique character permanently changed for the worse, particularly for
those who really care about Midlothian's countryside.
The desirable elements of the Mavisbank Trust's
proposals are all achievable at a modest cost within Phase 1. However, Phase 2
calls for huge additional expenditure of public funds, with, little or no
additional benefit to the public. Indeed there are considerable disbenefits as
the house itself, opened to the public in Phase 1, would then be closed in Phase
2, when converted.
Our
objectives as "Friends of Mavisbank" are to:
-
Maintain
the existing planning designations and legal protections covering the area
and ensure that these are not reduced.
-
Maintain
the integrity of the original architectural design, avoiding the solecism of
inserting a modern interior.
-
Restore the
exterior of the house to its original appearance and make it safe for
visitors to walk through and appreciate, allowing for interpretive
facilities which would explain Mavisbank's history and important place in
Scottish architecture.
-
Retain the
essentially natural, rural, tranquil character of the grounds and avoid the
introduction of habitation with the inevitable concomitants of traffic
movement, noise, and light pollution allowing the area to become an
important wildlife link along the North Esk Valley.
-
Undertake a
Landscape Management Plan which would conserve the many parkland trees, the
lake and other important existing landscape features and immediately reduce
the damage being done by horse grazing.
-
To improve
public access for local walkers, who are not car dependent with the
introduction of better signage, fencing, stiles, limited land drainage and
to stabilise and improve existing footpath surfaces. This will negate the
need for a Country Park.
-
Make use of
labour forces such as the Midlothian Training Services and the British Trust
for Conservation Volunteers to reduce costs and help to create a sustainable
project.
Action
If you agree
with our concerns and objectives and would like to support us, please contact
us. We should be pleased to receive your comments.
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