Sean Houlston took part in a Heritage and Tourism Roundtable at Cholmondeley Castle on Friday 31 October, chaired by Aphra Brandreth MP and joined by the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Nigel Huddleston MP.
Sean joined to represent the heritage sector and to stand up for Cheshire’s remarkable historic buildings, sites and conservation skills.
Speaking after the event, Sean said:
“Cheshire’s built heritage is an economic asset, an educational resource and part of who we are. I was pleased to make the case for safeguarding the historic environment while unlocking its potential for jobs, skills and sustainable tourism. We need practical policies that help owners maintain historic buildings, support local craft and conservation skills, and ensure planning processes protect character while allowing sensitive growth.”
Sean highlighted three priorities raised during the discussion:
- stronger support for traditional building skills and apprenticeships, ensuring the next generation can conserve historic fabric
- proportionate and timely planning for heritage projects, giving clarity to homeowners, SMEs and community groups
- a joined up approach to heritage and tourism so that towns and villages benefit from increased footfall, overnight stays and local spend
Sean added:
“I am grateful to Aphra Brandreth MP for bringing local voices together and to Nigel Huddleston MP for listening carefully to the sector. I will continue working with local stakeholders to champion restoration, reuse and high quality place making across Cheshire.”
