Parliamentary report published on best use for historic buildings as Caroline Dinenage says current approach is 'failing miserably'

Caroline Dinenage has labelled the current policy towards historic building as “failing miserably” as she urges the government to utilise them to meet new homes target.

The Gosport MP is the chair of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee which has published its report into Protecting Built Heritage following the conclusion of an inquiry which has been ongoing since December 2024.

The report suggests that nearly half of the government’s 1.5million home building target could be met by giving a new lease of life to vacant or under-used historic buildings.

It is an issue that is pertinent in Gosport with the report stating that MPs “heard clear examples of the challenges associated with public ownership of heritage assets, particularly where large parts of the estate remained under the control of central government. “

The report continued: “The borough of Gosport contains a significant concentration of former MOD sites, including historic fortifications such as Fort Blockhouse, Fort Rowner (which lies within the grounds of HMS Sultan) and other complex brownfield sites, which are underused or vacant and, in some cases, have fallen into disrepair.”

The report also pointed to policies abroad which could be learned from such as Italy’s €1 homes scheme.

With the 18-month inquiry looking into how cost pressures, workforce shortages and a complex planning system is putting listed buildings, churches, old factories and monuments under increasing strain. The committee is calling for a change of approach from the government to secure the long-term future of the historic environment and “unlock its full potential”.

The report has highlighted a number of other issues including the VAT regime which it believes is discouraging repairs, and the need to promote careers in the heritage sector.

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Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, said: “Old buildings and other pieces of our past play a vital economic, social and cultural role in our communities, but the sight of leaking roofs, crumbling brickwork and vacant premises illustrates how the current policy approach to heritage is failing miserably to support either its protection or potential.

“Historic England says that there is potential to create a whopping 670,000 new homes and yet the government’s approach reveals a deep complacency, is devoid of ambition, and shows a complete lack of imagination.

“We heard compelling evidence that the best way of protecting a building is for it to be occupied, used, lived in and loved. Other countries with a similarly rich heritage have shown what can be achieved by thinking outside the box. ‘Reuse first’ should be the guiding principle, with a heritage to housing scheme offering a clear win-win by preserving our historic buildings and helping to meet the pressing need for new homes.

“Ministers also need to ensure adequate funding that incentivises repairs and renewal over construction, and meet head on the serious risk to heritage posed by the lack of skills and workforce in the sector.

“All the time that the government allows our historic environment to continue to deteriorate, we risk losing out on not just links to our past but on opportunities for economic growth and regeneration in our communities.

“It also shouldn't be right that private owners face significant obligations to protect historic buildings, while government departments are able to allow heritage assets to rot at public expense.”

“The report aims to alter the current status quo for heritage buildings where “despite their clear value, many heritage assets are at risk of neglect or managed decline, where a lack of sustained investment has led to "roofs leaking", long-term deterioration of historic fabric and, in some cases, buildings being left to ruin altogether as regulatory and financial pressures mount.”