Heywood and Middleton MP, Chris Clarkson has co-sponsored Jonathan Gullis’ Planning (Proper Maintenance of Land) Bill, which passed its First Reading in the House of Commons on 23rd September 2020.
The Bill, which would increase fines on property owners who failed to meet their obligations to comply with building regulations, would increase fines and introduce stiffer penalties to punish property owners who allow buildings of historical importance to dissolve into disrepair.
During the debate, Mr Gullis, stated that: “There are more than 5,000 entries on the heritage at risk register. This Bill would enable the relevant authorities to take action against those who destroy this nation’s heritage. That is why I have the unreserved support of Historic England in my endeavour to see the law changed and our nation’s heritage assets protected. Historic England agrees that stiffer penalties are paramount to efficiency, local authorities and the security of our heritage.”
Speaking after the debate, Mr Clarkson said: “I am proud to have sponsored this Bill, it is a great shame that there are many people who do wish to protect and preserve our heritage. Rogue landlords and property owners, who fail to comply with building regulations, are endangering historic building which we must strive to preserve as a nation.”
“In my constituency of Heywood and Middleton we have seen how investment in Edgar Wood properties has enhanced the town and given new life to these irreplaceable character buildings. Likewise, the work currently being undertaken by Hopwood DePree to restore Hopwood Hall, his family’s magnificent ancestral country home. Proof absolute that these iconic buildings can be brought back to life and preserved for future generations.”
“Yet we still see other local landmarks like the former Providence United Reformed Church on Market Place in Middleton, going to wrack and ruin. This 207-year-old, Grade II listed building had to be partially demolished a few years ago after decades of neglect. It isn’t right that owners be allowed to let beautiful buildings like this deteriorate to the point where they are lost forever.”
“Across Rochdale Borough, heritage open day would usually be taking place at this time of year. A popular annual opportunity to see sights such as Jubilee Library, The Olde Boar’s Head and St. Leonard’s Church in Middleton, or the Victorian Gothic glory of the Grade II listed St. Luke's Parish Church in Heywood. I really hope that my support for this bill will help to protect similar buildings and ensure that we can add more sites to our local heritage trails in future years.”
Having successfully passed the first reading the bill will now move on to a second reading later in the year.
