Clause 2 - Contents of building regulations
Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill
10:45 am
Mr John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings, Conservative)
It is not about preserving buildings in aspic: it is about having regard to their character. The amendment makes it clear:
''In making regulations the Secretary of State must have regard to the desirability of preserving the historical or architectural interest''
of buildings. Most historic buildings, such as churches, have evolved. There is a medieval church opposite my listed home in Lincolnshire that has changed many times in its history. Historic buildings evolve, but it is important that they should do so in a way that is sympathetic to their character. That is the mistake that we have made with modern buildings: it is the curse of Le Corbusier and all those other dreadful European people. It is not about preserving things in aspic; it is about having a regard to the historic environment, and changing in that context.