Proposed demolition

SIR, – I refer to your story (October 28) headed “Strathcona House fate sealed”. It is clear that Aberdeen City Council planners are once again ignoring the groundswell of objections to their bizarre proposals to destroy the heritage of Aberdeen, as seen in their Marischal Square proposal.

In this case, it is their confirmation that iconic Strathcona House at Bucksburn is to be demolished to make way for the new AECC.

Numerous individuals and groups have objected strongly to this wanton destruction, to no avail. Historic Scotland stated that the building was worthy of protection due to its unique style and structure. However, they cannot give a listing because there is now a planning proposal encompassing the Bucksburn site.

Surely, it is precisely when such buildings are under threat from developers that Historic Scotland should act, irrespective of any planning proposals.

If this regulation is not changed at government level, we will lose many of our historic and architecturally significant, indeed irreplaceable, buildings throughout Scotland. We will have a built environment of concrete and glass boxes that will be obsolete in 20 years.

There must be someway of impressing upon the planners that they are accountable to the people they are supposed to serve. The elections in May spring to mind.

The Scottish Government has stated that it wishes to empower the communities throughout Scotland. How is ignoring the wishes of a large section of a community empowering that community?

Professor Klaus Wahle, Greystones, Lyne of Skene.

There must be some way of impressing upon the planners that they are accountable to the people they are supposed to serve. The elections in May spring to mind