Telford's heritage being destroyed to make money, claims historian
A leading Shropshire historian has claimed that Telford's heritage is being needlessly destroyed because the borough council is more interested in making money than preserving the area's remaining architectural and historical jewels.
"The council doesn't seem to be bothered about keeping anything with architectural interest for people coming into the area, let alone people living here," said Allan Frost, of Wellington History Group, who says there must be a rethink to prevent "another 40 years of irreversible damage".
Mr Frost he has taken a particular swipe at Telford & Wrekin Council over the fate of Edgbaston House in Wellington, which could be the oldest building in that town, and which Mr Frost says has been reduced to a shell with many interesting features ripped out.
However, the council has said in response that it backed proposals to list Edgbaston House as being of architectural or historical interest - and that English Heritage said it wasn't worth listing. And the council says it is "keen to celebrate the history of the area" and has been working on projects bringing together the stories of local people and a record of the history.
Wellington-born author and historian Mr Frost develops his attack in his editorial in the latest edition of the group's newsletter, Wellingtonia.
He says the council has a poor record on protecting local history and heritage. He says that even before what some would see as the "reign of terror" of the old Telford Development Corporation, historic buildings were demolished, and that the council is continuing in the same vein.
"Some should have been given the protection which is supposed to be virtually guaranteed under the terms of the Listed Building scheme - such as the former New Street Methodist Church frontage, the Charlton Arms Hotel, or of significant local interest, as in Edgbaston House.
"A PhD student is currently researching the borough's attitude to heritage conservation and promotion. All we can say is that borough councillors and certain of its employees, who seem more concerned with money than taking effective measures to preserve what remains of Telford's heritage, need to rethink their approach to prevent another 40-plus years of irreversible damage.
"The Ironbridge Gorge does not represent the Telford conurbation."
Mr Frost said Edgbaston House had become regarded as an example of how little regard certain borough council employees and elected councillors had in preserving buildings of heritage value.
He said that after acquiring the property, the borough council had initially intended to demolish it. Then the borough's estates and investment department supported a planning application by a developer to provide apartments.
"Of course they did - they'd put Edgbaston House up for sale in the first place. Despite a reasoned request, neither they nor the planning committee thought it necessary to ask the developer to preserve internal architectural features. Apparently, money is more important than heritage."
Mr Frost said: "Despite discoveries of unique architectural features coming to light in a historic building survey commissioned by the then Conservative leaders of the borough, which revealed several impressive fireplaces, coving, internal lights, balustrades and ceiling beams, almost all have been removed by workmen gutting the inside in preparation for creating a number of bedsit apartments with shared kitchen facilities.
"What this means is that the shell of the buildings which comprise Edgbaston House have been allowed to remain standing. Many believe they should have been retained as a public amenity of substantial historic significance and given a new lease of life commensurate with its heritage."
He said the oldest, easternmost, part of the complex was believed to have originated as two dwellings in a late medieval terrace and, if so, it was the oldest building in Wellington.
Telford & Wrekin Council spokeswoman Emily Knightley said: "Telford & Wrekin Council seeks to preserve and enhance the historic environment across the borough wherever possible, including finding viable and sustainable uses for redundant or vacant buildings.
"The council's Conservation Officer supported the proposal to 'list' Edgbaston House. However, English Heritage deemed that the building was of insufficient historic interest to merit listing. Permitted development rights were removed for works to windows to preserve the historic windows which remain and control the quality of those that may be replaced in the future.
"The council has sought temporary improvement works to the historic front elevation of The Charlton Arms while it is in discussion with the owners about redevelopment opportunities.
"The council is keen to celebrate the history of the area and has been working on several projects that bring together the stories of local people and a record of the history:
"Telford & Wrekin Council's Library Service and Bridges-Making Global Connections, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, have brought together the words of residents and archive pictures of the development of Telford into a resource that reaches across the generations."
And she gave internet links to the various projects. They are: http://www.telford.gov.uk/info/200064/community_history/1095/community_history_projects/4 and http://www.historypin.com/channels/view/54308/#!map/index/#!/geo:52.698843,-2.518572/zoom:20/dialog:225992/tab:details/ and also http://www.telford.gov.uk/info/200064/community_history/1095/community_history_projects/5
