We are a group of Berwick residents concerned about threats to our unique and vulnerable heritage. We are currently focusing on the plan to demolish most of Berwick Infirmary's front, leaving only the tower.
Previous campaigns:
Sometimes the value of historic settings and buildings, and unconventional design - such as the early prefabricated huts acquired by the Grammar School, or the wooden-framed Wilson's Workshop in Tweedmouth - can be overlooked. We are glad to help shine a light on such treasures and offer ideas for better solutions that embrace our heritage and satisfy all involved.
We think a holistic approach is important - it's not always just about a building, but what effect a development will have on the setting and enjoyment of place. And of course, conservation of heritage usually aligns with conservation of our environment and reduction in carbon and other harms.
We should be asking: is this really necessary? Can a lighter touch be better, and cheaper?
It's tempting to assume Berwick's beauty will be preserved forever. No one would be allowed to harm it, right? But a glance around shows that we do not always get the balance right when fulfilling modern needs. The big white box that is Pets At Home is a good example, brashly spoiling the famous view of our bridges. If our new buildings were as attractive as the old ones, not jarring or competing, then there would be less to complain about. But, strikingly, you will rarely hear the word 'beauty' mentioned in a town or county council planning meeting. It's now too embarrassing, too elitist, perhaps, when there are other important factors. But make no mistake - beauty is crucial to our wellbeing. And if we don't stand up for the beauty of Berwick, we will surely lose it under a tide of misjudged developments that are justified on dubious but seldom-challenged grounds.
We contribute enthusiasm, perspective, historical research, and ideas. We have spoken at Town and County Council planning meetings. We have pointed out many flaws in the Grammar School development planning application, causing the Town Council, County Council and heritage bodies to consider more carefully the 'heritage assets' about to be lost and to correct flaws in their procedures; and we have helped to publicise a plan (later withdrawn) to demolish the Victorian stonemason's workshop at the Tweedmouth end of the Old Bridge.
Naturally, there can be a tension between commercial interests and heritage. But this is largely because imagination has not been applied to the reuse of old buildings and nurturing heritage, rather than deleting it, so that both heritage and commerce can flourish. Often the considerable cost of demolishing a building could instead go to restoring it. And of course, tourism plays a large part in Berwick's commercial life. If you chip away at Berwick's beauty, then you risk killing the golden goose.
Similarly, unsympathetic new developments degrade our environment, tourist draw, and civic pride. Bland modernism is not the only style available, and there are plenty of guidelines around building in conservation areas that should be (but are not always) followed. It's important to keep the pressure up to design appropriately in sensitive areas such as the historic core of Berwick.
A criticism that is often levelled against campaigners is that we're not putting up any money so have no right to tell the landowners what to do. In fact, many of us would be happy to raise funds and contribute - but often this is simply not an option at this stage in the application, especially when the public have not been consulted properly before the application is made.
You may be wondering why we are needed, when there are already several conservation groups in Berwick. Here are some answers.
In essence, the more scrutiny of developments there is, the better. We must remember that we have freedom of speech, and we are entitled to take issue with what is being done to our neighbourhoods.
We have been accused of pretending to be official! Perhaps because we take trouble over the design of our output, this causes cognitive dissonance. Surely only 'official' organisations are allowed to look like that? This is a criticism that never occurred to us: certainly we have no intention either to be official, or pretend to be. We like our independence and ability to speak our minds without fear or favour.
We pay for expenses such as leaflets, web hosting and so on out of our own pockets. We have no 'patron' and no motivation besides our love of Berwick and its beauty.
You can contact Julian Smart at info@berwick-heritage.co.uk.