APPLEBY Town Council is consulting over options for the historic sixteenth century Moot Hall, all of which involve building a modern extension.

However, in my view, none of them are consistent with good conservation and none would achieve the objectives of the Heritage Action Zone.

I understand the Moot Hall is in a poor condition with problems, including penetrating damp. Necessary repairs are estimated to cost about £500,000.

It is generally considered historic buildings should be preserved as they are and that they should not be altered, extended, partially demolished or restored to a previous appearance. The proposed extensions would also be too imposing and out of place in their location.

Repairing the Moot Hall is consistent with the objective of the Appleby Heritage Action Zone, that is: 'Restoring and reviving Appleby as a tourist attraction to benefit the local economy and the people who live and work there'.

However, the current proposals are a missed opportunity in that they do not seek to make full use of the Moot Hall’s potential to boost tourism through showcasing the town’s rich heritage.

I understand the town council is reluctant to allow public access to the council chamber. I find this very disappointing as it suggests the town council may not be committed to the objectives of the Heritage Action Zone.

My suggestions are:

• Appleby Moot Hall is an historic building that it is important to preserve. It is therefore important necessary repairs are carried out, but alterations to the historic structure and appearance should be avoided.

• As one of Appleby’s most important historic buildings, the Moot Hall should be used to showcase the building and the history of the town through displaying artefacts and information. I therefore think it would be a good idea to relocate the town council offices and the shop to other suitable buildings in the town.

• The council chamber and mayor’s parlour are important parts of the history of the building and town and should be regularly open to the public.

• There should be disabled access to the first floor, especially if it continues to be the venue for town council meetings. It is unacceptable a town council should meet in a place that does not have disabled access.

The town council does not appear to have been a good custodian of the Moot Hall in that it has failed to carry out required maintenance over several years. Consideration should therefore be given to transferring ownership of the Moot Hall to an organisation with more expertise in the preservation of historic buildings, such as English Heritage or the National Trust.

Adrian Waite

Appleby