Calls to protect local architectural heritage from falling into decay

Doug Hughes, managing director at Hughes Architects, said the collapse of Bethel Chapel’s roof in Newtown was a stark reminder of the state of many abandoned older buildings throughout the region.

“We’re facing many historic and older buildings in the heart of our communities falling into a dangerous state and decaying. Bethel Chapel brings the issue to the fore where we have a well-known structure along a key road slowly falling apart in front of our eyes, to the extent that the main roof has now totally collapsed.

“In this case the Town Council and others had already raised concerns about the state of the building. There are similar buildings around mid Wales in similar conditions, either because they have been abandoned or neglected. In some cases, the owners simply don’t have the money to invest in them.

“Most of these buildings are an important part of our heritage, whether former churches, stone barns, houses or even industrial buildings. Just because they are no longer being used for their original purpose does not mean they cannot be converted for alternative uses such as residential or commercial accommodation.”

Doug Hughes of Hughes Architects

Mr Hughes said he believed a formal register should be set up of any historic or architecturally important structures that might be in danger of neglect or collapse, similar to the existing Savebritainsheritage.org.

“Planning regulations are already there to protect certain buildings. We have a Listed building system in place where properties of architectural, heritage or social importance are registered through CADW or Historic England. Only certain works, renovations or remodelling can take place on such buildings depending on whether they’re Grade I or Grade II* or Grade II Listed.

“Unfortunately, some buildings like Bethel Chapel fall between the gaps and then into disrepair.”

He said former churches and chapels could be easily converted or refurbished for domestic or commercial use. Conservation Architects have the necessary knowledge and skills to work on such projects with the local authorities, CADW and Historic England.

He said: “It’s not just town centre structures where we’re seeing buildings decay. There are many buildings, such as barns and former homes in the countryside that are disappearing. These too are important in our architectural history, landscape, and townscapes.

“We need to act fast on many of these buildings to save them, by bringing them back into use for whatever viable purpose we can.”