The Derby Telegraph has highlighted how urban explorers and trespassers have been criticised for causing damage to an historic South Derbyshire pottery, which is at risk of seeing some of its buildings being demolished.
The Derby Telegraph writes:
The buildings form part of the world famous TG Green pottery factory in Church Gresley and could now be torn down due to their ‘highly dangerous’ state, which a report says has been made worse by trespassers and people known as ‘urban explorers’ sneaking on to the site. The pottery has also been hit by a series of arson attacks. Trespassers and the so-called urban explorers have been criticised for entering the site in Pool Street, Church Gresley, which also includes the four Grade II* kilns, and has become a crumbling mess since production stopped there in 2005.
Urban explorers are amateur photographers who enter derelict and empty buildings to snap often-haunting images of the decay they find inside. posting their images on the internet. Trespassers and urban explorers have been warned to keep away from the site due to the serious dangers it poses. However, the practice at the TG Green’s building has sparked criticism, with urban explorers warned they are putting themselves in danger and causing damage. A report into issues on the site say they have been going into the pottery site on a weekly basis.
TG Green, which famously created its blue and white Cornishware pottery, operated from the site for more than 100 years, employing 1,000 people at its peak. Cornishware is still made, including some lines which are now produced in Stoke, and is still hugely popular. The factory, established in 1871, was rebuilt after a fire in 1904 with subsequent extensions in 1955 and 1973, with production ceasing in 2005.
Its current owner, Victor Brewin, has applied to South Derbyshire District Council for Listed building permission to demolish two partially collapsed parts of the former factory site. He has said in a statement that urban explorers have caused much damage going into the pottery. A heritage statement submitted by independent heritage consultant Philip Heath on behalf of Mr Brewin, said the situation is now ‘desperate….’
The statement also said: ‘It has never been the case that the present owner had the means to secure a long-term future for the buildings’. Adding that Mr Brewin’s inability to arrest the ‘rampant decay should not be misconstrued as a desire to see the buildings demolished, which has never been the case’.
Historic England, tasked with protecting listed buildings across the country, has raised concerns about the state of the old pottery when asked by the district council to comment on the application which the authority will consider when deciding whether to allow the demolition. There is no statutory obligation for the owner of a listed building to keep their property in a good state of repair. However, local authorities can take action to secure a repair when they are concerned about a building’s continued conservation.
In a statement to the council seen by Burton Live, Historic England has urged the authority to use enforcement measures, such as an urgent works notice…
In the statement, Historic England said: ‘The justification for the removal is focused on making the buildings safe. The application clearly focuses on seeking consent for demolition alone rather than a package of temporary protective works and repair. Historic England, through the applicant’s advisor, have offered to consider a grant application for a condition survey in order to help make more informed choices about repair needs and expense. It is extremely disappointing that this has not been pursued.’
… A decision is due to be made on the application in the next few months.
