A NEW scheme to protect historic buildings and landscapes in the Malvern Hills has been welcomed by the town's civic society.

The scheme, called the Local List Supplementary Planning Document, was adopted by Malvern Hills District Council planning committee at its meeting last Thursday.

The new list is intended to supplement the well-known English Heritage list, which included landmarks such as the Priory and the Abbey Archway.

It is intended to highlight townscapes and landscapes not on the English Heritage register, but which contribute towards an area's distinctive character.

It will not give any extra statutory protection, but it will be taken onto consideration in local planning decisions. The council will now set up a panel to decide what should be included.

Clive Hooper, chairman of Malvern Civic Society, said: "The society looks forward to working closely with MHDC on the compilation of this list.

“The society has long had a commitment to securing such a list, and this should be greatly helped by the work it has been doing in the last year on the Worcestershire Historic Environment Record."

He said civic society volunteers, led by member Louisa Davidson, have been photographing buildings that appear on the first Ordnance Survey map of the town in 1885 and still stand today - about 2,000 in all.

Cllr Melanie Baker, the council's portfolio holder for planning, said: “Malvern Hills district has many listed buildings which are designated as heritage assets, which means they are protected under legislation. However, there are still many buildings, structures and landscapes that the community hold dear and which make a valuable contribution to a local sense of history and quality of life.

“I believe the local list will play an essential role in helping to protect the historic distinctiveness of the area. I am delighted the society would like to play a role in compiling the information and look forward to their contribution.”

“I am always proud to show visitors the historic buildings, gas lamps and post boxes and I am sure the civic pride I feel runs through the veins of many other Malvern residents.”