Developers take the easy option to the cost of restoration
Dear Editor, The Birmingham Post has in the space of a week highlighted the fate of five historic buildings in South Birmingham: Primrose Hill Farm and Barn and the Saracen’s Head and Old Grammar School in Kings Norton and the Battery Building in Selly Oak.
In doing so you have drawn attention to the problems entailed in restoring old buildings.
The Saracen’s Head and Old Grammar School were fortunate in winning the prestigious BBC2 Restoration prize resulting in the first winner of this prize to achieve a truly magnificent restoration and very fine example of modern architecture.
Primrose Hill Farm and Barn have been restored without public subscription.
You reported that the Battery Building owned by Sainsbury’s, due to delays in approval of plans, has apparently now reached a state when it is hazardous.
Restoration of buildings incur VAT and it is therefore far easier for developers to raise the building or buildings to the ground and build without the restrictions placed on restoration or the added expense of VAT.
Chris and Sue Higgins comment that: ‘Working with the constraints of conservation laws has not been easy’ makes one wonder whether the powers that be would rather see historic buildings disappear from the landscape altogether.
Mr and Mrs Higgins could easily have allowed the Farm house and Barn to collapse or burn, as happens to many historic buildings, instead they chose to go down the tougher restoration route and restore the buildings it is for this they should surely be acclaimed; as should the team involved with the restoration of the Old Grammar School and Saracen’s Head.
Claire Simpson, Chairman, Kings Norton History Society
Share
