ENGLISH HERITAGE

Early day motion 564, tabled 12 December 2001 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 23 members.

That this House expresses its appreciation to English Heritage for the vital work which it undertakes in seeking to preserve the best of our national heritage; believes that the views of English Heritage should not be overturned by a single planning inspector, and that in such instances where a contrary view is taken then the final decision should be referred to the Secretary of State for a second opinion to be sought; regrets that too many of the nation's historic and listed buildings have already been lost; and therefore urges the Secretary of State to investigate and take all the steps available to him to reverse the outcome of the planning appeal in respect of the Grade II Listed Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester, the largest surviving Victorian water tower in Britain, which a planning inspector has ruled can be destroyed, contrary to the wishes of the democratically elected local councillors.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 12, Labour 9, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.