- Target:
- Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP
- Region:
- United Kingdom
- Website:
- www.colchesterbpt.co.uk
St Peter's Church, Birch has stood empty for more than 24 years.
It is now derelict and the Diocese of Chelmsford wish to demolish it.
The Trust is campaigning to save the building and has recently completed a viability study. This has identified a proposal to convert most of the building into a family home.
Regrettably, despite having found a willing buyer for the church who is prepared to spend £1,200,000 restoring this iconic landmark, the Church Commissioners in consultation with the Diocese of Chelmsford, have decided to proceed with their plans to demolish.
In our opinion, this is unnecessary destruction of local heritage. The resultant harm will not only be in the loss of this Grade II listed building but also the detrimental impact of the loss on the Birch Conservation Area and the surrounding landscape.
The case will now be considered at a public inquiry that will examine the arguments for and against demolition. The Trust will be attending and has appointed a legal representative to help us present our case. The decision of the Planning Inspector will be binding.
The petition is needed to provide evidence of the weight of support for saving this iconic building. Please sign and comment if you haven't done so already.
Many thanks
Colchester & NE Essex Building Preservation Trust
Signatures up to number 1250
We, the undersigned, request that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government hold a local inquiry or hearing into the proposed demolition of Birch Church, Essex.
We believe that the demolition of this important, listed building is unnecessary as a purchaser has been found and that the proposal has the full backing of English Heritage, the Victorian Society, the Ancient Monuments Society and the local authority.
We further believe that should an inquiry or hearing be held, the weight of argument will favour the case for conservation.
Signatures after number 1250
We, the undersigned, urge the appointed Planning Inspector and thereafter, the Secretary of State to take full account of the desirability and feasibility of saving Birch Church from unnecessary demolition and to also take account of this petition and the written comments of signatories where given.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Save Birch Church petition to Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP was written by Colchester & NE Essex Building Preservation Trust and is in the category Culture at GoPetition.