Member

During Committee in another place, my honourable friend David Simmonds MP asked for that clarity and some explanation of the circumstances in which this discretion might be exercised. He rightly pointed out that significant infrastructure developments are often very close to heritage buildings and other historic sites where there will be a legitimate expectation from both local authorities and residents that a proper consultation will be undertaken. As Mr Simmonds noted, there are many glittering examples of former industrial buildings, particularly those connected with Victorian transport networks, being reused for residential developments or other new uses. That is a great part of heritage, breathing new life into old buildings. It is also far better, both for the environment and for the pride and identity of local communities, than simply demolishing these buildings, clearing the sites and losing part of our shared heritage.