Local architect speaks out

Johnny Heriz-Smith, partner in local architects Heriz-Payne, has been following events at the Morlands site for many years. He says this:

"This is the moment when those who think they can use these buildings need to say so. I have heard of artist's/workshop groups, an 'eco' enterprise, this youth group, and a renewable energy initiative who wanted a presence on Morlands. There may well be other groups I don't know about, and some of these groups may have different ideas altogether and not be interested in these particular buildings.

If the various groups can pull together and have the patience and will to see this through, then there is a chance that these buildings not only get saved but find a community use. This would require the support first of the Town Council, then the Local Authority, and finally SWRDA, in increasing order of difficulty as we ascend the bureaucratic food chain. If there is enough 'spread' of community use then it is possible that the community will raise substantial funds - outside funding (which would be necessary) is difficult and time-consuming to find. We are talking about a minimum 3 year project in my view, and a high level of cooperation between groups with different agendas.

From SWRDA's point of view, clearing these buildings will make the plot more valuable to a potential (or actual) purchaser - they may have the right to demolish these buildings without Mendip's permission.

If Urban Splash pull out I doubt Morlands will be developed for 3-5 years unless SRWDA take a hit on land value (like everyone else is).

It looks like another SWRDA P.R. cockup anyhoo."

He also mentioned that the attitude of the RDA in his recent conversations with them (before the protest) was that everything on the site was fine and dandy...which makes me wonder if they listen the the local community at all.