Opinion: Sefton campaigner promotes ornate frontage incentive grant system
Local campaigner David Barton believes this could transform modern planning
COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNER: David Barton
Submitted by David Barton
A campaigner for the heritage of Sefton is strongly recommending central government to start a pioneering grant program that would transform modern planning with benefits for businesses, landlords and communities.
Mr. Barton continues his stance that a refined grant that primarily concentrates on regenerating high streets and shopping precincts with historical buildings should be actioned as soon as possible. This would have the overriding objective of enabling two core pillars of action. The restoration of pre-existing buildings and the reconstruction of long-lost buildings that have either been extensively altered or replaced with prefrabicated modular buildings originally designed to be temporary.
Mr. Barton says: “As per the findings of the extensive Building Better Building Beautiful Commission, this would not only present a great opportunity to make a whole area more appealing and attractive to customers and visitors, but also greener with the higher pedigree of quality building materials that natural sources confer.”
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He continued: “Whilst “Prefab” buildings have been around for a long time though, many people don’t realize these were never designed to become permanent structures. It is no surprise that to date people are continually drawn to the marvels of traditional vernacular architecture be this Southport’s Victorian Verandahs or Westminster’s multitude of Tourist locations that are mainly old builds. Should a particular building that resonates with residents and a set of criteria be produced that allows funding be targeted at those most in need first, this could itself provide a “wrapper funding” style cascade with an entire street being mostly completed within a decade.”
“Some of the criteria may include: age of the building; extent of alteration; previous efforts made by key stakeholders to restore the building(s); financial scope of the key stakeholders; and a commitment to help other key stakeholders secure funding for their premises. These are just a few practical ways that Central Government could realize this practical game changing proposal. The Allotment Clubhouse at No.29 Liverpool Road is a spectacular template of an old build that has been lovingly restored whilst even integrating some outdoor green fixtures well placed on a main road setting a leading example for others.”
