Tell us the buildings to add to list (From Malvern Gazette)

Tell us the buildings to add to list

7:20am Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Neil Watts

A NEW list of buildings and structures of local importance could be formed after a public consultation.

Malvern Hills District Council is working in partnership with civic societies of Malvern, Uptonupon- Severn and Tenbury and Burford to produce the list, which will include buildings and structures of local value that do not receive statutory protection as listed buildings.

Some of those that enjoy such protection in law include the Abbey Gateway, the Chapel at Malvern College, the Edinburgh sports dome in Imperial Road and MHDC’s offices in Priory Road.

The Local List, as it will be known, will protect all of the structures that hold local heritage or architectural interest and members of the public are being asked to put forward their suggestions for inclusion.

They won’t be protected by law but it will eventually become a supplementary planning document ensuring issues of heritage value are automatically taken into account when considering any development issues.

Councillor David Hughes, portfolio holder for planning and housing at MHDC, said: “Preserving the heritage of this district is extremely important and this scheme will help define the local identity of our region and help protect structures that are valued by the local community.

“I would encourage everyone to get on board and contribute their suggestions. This is about local people protecting their own local heritage.”

Roger Sutton, chairman of Malvern Civic Society, said the society helped to form the draft local list and were 100 per cent behind the plans.

“We have been working with MHDC for five years to compile a list of suitable buildings and currently have a provisional list of about 150.”

All suggestions will be considered and the public consultation runs until Monday, February 20.

The final list will be drawn up by a panel of judges and members of the public can put themselves forward to take up a position on the panel.

For more information, go to malvernhills.gov.uk.