Plea to protect County Durham listed buildings after fire

Shotley Park Residential Home was destroyed by the large blaze on October 5 after repeatedly being targeted by vandals. 

Residents had previously warned that the area had become an anti-social behaviour hotspot, with the grounds strewn with smashed glass, rubble, and broken windows.

Police are treating the fire at the Shotley Bridge property as a suspected arson. 

The fire at Shotley Park, Shotley Bridge. Image: CDDFRS

Liz Twist, MP for Blaydon and Consett, said residents have been “devastated” by the destruction of the Grade II listed building, which closed in 2023. 

She told a House of Commons debate: “I understand that an investigation is ongoing into the circumstances, but can the minister say in more general terms what steps we can take to protect our listed buildings and the memories they represent for local people?”

The mid-nineteenth-century mansion closed in 2023. 

Peter Wright lived inside the mid-nineteenth-century mansion when it operated as a children’s home and previously pleaded with the local authorities to protect the site. 

“I’m watching my childhood home be destroyed by scumbags who have no idea what they’re doing,” he said in June 2024. 

The fire at Shotley Park, Shotley Bridge. Image: CDDFRS

A change of use planning application for the property was approved by Durham County Council in 2024, but no further progress was made. 

Responding to Labour MP Ms Twist, Ian Murray, Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts, said: “There is no specific duty on owners to keep their buildings in a good state of repair, but local authorities have powers under legislation to take action where a listed building may be at risk, through urgent works notices and repairs notices. 

“The Government also support local authorities by providing funding for conservation projects, and they are consulting on reforms to make it easier for homeowners to protect their historic properties while preserving their unique character. There is also the buildings at risk register, and I encourage [Liz Twist] to speak to her local authority to see what can be done to help.”