Written evidence submitted by The Worthing Society
BACKGROUND TO THE WORTHING SOCIETY
The Worthing Society originally the Worthing Civic Society (formed in 1973, was formed in 1982. Its main aims are to conserve, preserve and safeguard the architectural amenities of Worthing and the surrounding area. We have a dedicated Heritage Team to monitor the town’s unique heritage assets. These include 27 conservation areas, and over 300 graded Listed Buildings plus seven hundred undesignated heritage assets recorded on the Local Interest List. The role of the Worthing Society is to protect the built heritage environment. These buildings are an irreplaceable resource providing a sense of place, identity, pride and well-being which we are anxious to safeguard. To ensure the ongoing good condition of these historic buildings our Heritage Team liaises regularly with the Conservation Officer and Planning Enforcement Officers. The Society retains a Local Heritage Risk Register so that we can concentrate our efforts where they are most needed.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
We consider the most significant factor facing owners and operators of built heritage assets to be financial constraints. The Nation’s ‘Heritage Portfolio’ is in many cases reaching a bi-centenary and beyond. There will therefore be a natural deterioration in the fabric of the buildings where special materials and expertise in repairs will be required or else there will be slippage into a gradual decline. The safety-net of Local Repairs and Regeneration Grants was removed over a decade ago. This is significant as costs of specialist restoration is significantly higher. An improvement grant at an early stage could provide an intervention to prevent further deterioration and more serious problems, perhaps leading to demolition
A significant setback for both residential owners and publicly owned buildings was the removal of the VAT concession for our built heritage. Reinstating this protection in the Tax System would be a significant step forward in sustaining the legacy of our built heritage for this and future generations
The maintenance or restoration of many publicly owned buildings, such as the Worthing Pier and Lido are becoming beyond the financial management capability of Local Councils. These larger buildings often contribute to the character and economic well-being of the areas in which they are situated. If these landmark buildings are to continue to fulfil this role there will need to be central Government involvement and ongoing support within the tax system.
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE THE CURRENT FUNDING AND FINANCE MODELS FOR BUILT HERITAGE
The Society considers there is currently insufficient funding support for our built heritage. Owners have reported they are keen to maintain their buildings and understand the statutory requirements, but feel very isolated when things go wrong and extra repairs may be need. This is true for both residential owners and those safeguarding larger public buildings
We consider that a long term commitment from the Government to reinstate the Repairs and Improvements Grants is required if we are to prevent any further decline. We appreciate that as this will be public funding there may be a requirement to means-test these grants. For those who would not qualify for grant aid, a process to introduce low cost tailor made loans could be introduced. Combined with the removal of VAT costs could make a significant difference, providing confidence to owners. The application process should be as clear and transparent as possible.
WHAT ROLE DOES BUILT HERITAGE PLAY IN THE REGENERATION OF LOCAL AREAS AND IN CONTRIBUTING TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND COMMUNITY IDENTITY
The Worthing Society considers that our heritage buildings provide the historic backdrop to the town’s individual identity. Their preservation can ensure the built environment will reflect the social history and traditions of the town for this and future generations. As stated this gives a ‘sense of place’ and well-being to local communities. Part of our Constitution is to stimulate education, research and interest in the town’s history.
Our heritage buildings and particularly the historic Worthing Pier are important contributors to the local tourist economy, the most important element for our seaside town. The Society has developed a Blue Plaque Heritage Tour which showcases our heritage buildings and the fascinating characters associated with them. One of most significant buildings is connected to the internationally famous author, Jane Austen. Tourists from many different countries have visited this building and the Society were primarily instrumental in saving this Grade II Listed Building from demolition. The recent regeneration of a local hotel, circa 1850 has stimulated growth and employment. Another former church is now an events centre. Both these listed buildings have been sensitively restored and play an important role in the town’s economy. They are examples of what can be achieved but of course the historic buildings need to be well – maintained to fulfil this role. We remain particularly concerned that a way forward can be found for our larger, often Council owned structures such as the Pier.
Our heritage assets also need to be supported to increase energy efficiency and contribute to the Government’s net zero policy. In the case of listed buildings priority is given to protecting the heritage features of the building so insulation is likely be the installation of secondary double glazing This again could be encouraged by a Grants Insulation Scheme. In Wales a free energy audit is offered to owners and perhaps this could also be considered to support owners and encourage take up.
Some manufactures of double glazing products are producing ‘heritage style’ windows with a wooden frame and double pane insert. The appearance of these products is improving. It may be an option for the Government to invest in developing new technology and innovation in this area, perhaps with the involvement of the Public Sector.
WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REGULATORY AND PRACTICAL BARRIERS TO PRESERVING BUILT HERITAGE
*Financial: as stated there is insufficient funding support from central Government in terms of grants, low cost loans and VAT concessions .
* Regulatory: the apparent underfunding within the Planning System is a barrier to highlighting the issues affecting our built heritage. It would be desirable to prioritise extra support and funding for the role of the Conservation Officers to give this role a higher profile in protection our heritage assets.
At present Worthing has not been able to provide a Conservation Area Advisory Committee, (CAAC). These Committees include an Architect, the Conservation Officer, local business and heritage groups which all serve to highlight the value of preserving our built heritage.
This role of the Planning Enforcement Officer is significant and this role needs to be adequately staffed so that early identification and intervention can be made where problems are identified. Encouraging local communities to participate in the Local Plan process to emphasise the importance of the town’s heritage would be an advantage.
WHAT POLICIES WOULD ENSURE THE UK WORKFORCE HAS THE RIGHT SKILLS TO MAINTAIN OUR HERITAGE ASSETS.
The retention of specialist skills to ensure the ongoing preservation of our heritage buildings will be vital. Perhaps the importance of our heritage could be introduced as a specific course at school and then progressed at further education colleges encouraged to promote training in the relevant skills. Historic England and the Civic Trust could be contacted to promote this approach.
In addition specific skills apprenticeships could be created with the support of the Public Sector and the building trade.
SUMMARY
In summary the Worthing Society considers the protection of our heritage assets has reached a cross-roads. We have welcomed the opportunity of contributing to this Consultation and I hope our responses have been informative. If there is any further information you require please do not hesitate to contact me
Susan Belton
Worthing Society Chair
30.01.25