HUNDREDS of historic sites and buildings have been listed for extra protection in Buckinghamshire.
Bucks Council has revealed its first ever county-wide Local Heritage List detailing areas of historic significance including buildings, grounds, parks, monuments and much more.
Using government funding, the council has developed the list - with the help of thousands of nominations - to help provide better protection to more than 700 key sites.
Bekonscot Model Village. Pic: Bucks Council
Sites have been chosen for their 'contribution to the character and heritage of Buckinghamshire', according to the authority.
Listed sites and buildings include sites such as Bekonscot Model Village, Denham Court, Hermitage House, Little Halings, the Old Five Bells pub and many more.
Bucks Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration Peter Strachan said: "I’m very pleased to welcome the adoption of our very first county-wide Local Heritage List.
“This has been made possible thanks to local communities coming forward to nominate heritage assets which are special to them and their area. I’d also like to thank the many volunteers who have worked (and continue to work) on this historic project.”
The authority said it received more than 2,653 nominations for inclusion on the list and 771 of these sites are now being brought forward for adoption in 'Phase 1'.
The Local Heritage List identifies locally significant heritage sites including historic buildings (houses, chapels, agricultural and industrial buildings), archaeological sites (upstanding earthwork remains and buried sites), formal gardens, public open spaces, public works of art, monuments and street furniture.
The extra layer of protection is different to statutory listing and designations (e.g., Grade I, II and II* listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and registered parks & gardens), which are assessed nationally by Historic England.
Peter added: “The Local Heritage List will help us protect local heritage assets for future generations to enjoy. For instance, assets on this list will be recognised and considered in any future planning applications.
“To celebrate the adoption of the first phase of sites to the Local Heritage List, we selected two artists to respond to two public nominations.
"Keziah Furini was chosen to produce artwork related to the Maids Moreton Mound, and Henry Rice was selected to work on the Buckinghamshire Canal buildings.
"Working with the nominees, these pieces of artwork were funded by Farnham Maltings, and will be used to celebrate the public interest in the project and the importance of Buckinghamshire’s heritage assets to the local communities who nominated them.”
Click here for the full list of local heritage importance.
Buckinghamshire Canal artwork by Henry Rice
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