In a debate in Parliament on housing and planning, David Williams MP spoke about the importance of bringing Stoke-on-Trent’s historic and heritage buildings back into use.
David highlighted that too many of these buildings have been left vacant for far too long, when, with the right support and partnerships, they could be restored as part of a brownfield-first approach to development.
He pressed Ministers to consider going further, calling for a dedicated national fund to unlock these sites.
David said: “Across Stoke-on-Trent, we have many historic and heritage buildings lying dormant. With the right support, they can be brought back into use at the heart of our communities. That’s why I have urged the Government to look at a heritage building release fund, similar to the brownfield land release fund, so these assets can once again serve local people.”
The Minister agreed to continue the conversation across Departments and to write to David on heritage policy in the planning system.
David will continue to push for practical measures that help transform heritage assets into homes for families, supporting regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent North and across the city.