Meeting documents

Report of the County Archaeologist

Members had received the report of the County Archaeologist.

Mr Kidd said that English Heritage had published a draft consultation on ‘Good Practice Guide for Local Listing: Identifying and Managing Significant Local Heritage Assets’. Members discussed the value of the document and PPS5. Mr Kidd suggested that the Forum should respond to the consultation. He highlighted that only Wycombe District Council has a local list and said that the concept of the local list was broadening.

Members had a discussion around local listing and concern was raised regarding funding. It was highlighted that much can be achieved by local groups but commented that it still requires a staff member to co-ordinate and produce. It was also said that local listing does not bring any additional controls. The consultation document says local listing will increase protection but this was felt to be raising expectation as it introduced no additional powers of sanction.

An Officer said that local lists hold more weight locally. He commented that in the Wycombe area some buildings which are not in a conservation area have been conserved on the basis of local listing. He also advised that there is joint working with local societies who had received training on the criteria for the listing of buildings. He commented that Archaeology aspect would have an impact on this as local residents were not experts in Archaeology and that this would need a higher level of professionalism. The Officer said that local residents in Wycombe were pleased with the local listing although they were not happy with the lack of teeth of the list. Local expertise should add to the local list.

A Member said a benefit of the local listing was to raise awareness in local communities and that the more people are aware, this will in turn raise the value of the buildings and local area in their consciousness. The Member said that the localism agenda and neighbourhood plans may impact significantly on the role of community groups. He commented that there is much opportunity to carry out what Wycombe is already doing.

The Forum was advised that AVDC had completed a list of all listed buildings and put these in categories of risk. They are also encouraging villages to gather pictures of all buildings of interest.

Members discussed the role of validation of the local lists and it was highlighted that in Wycombe the list is validated by the Cabinet Member with that responsibility. Members of the Forum felt it was important that this element of validation is maintained.

It was suggested that Parish Councils could be requested to draw up local lists. A Member highlighted that it was not just about buildings but also about local landscapes.

Mr Kidd commented to a previous point raised about Archaeology and said that the Archaeological aspect was more specialised and by nature harder to defined. He raised concern over the selection criteria for local lists and the need to ensure that these were comprehensive. He commented that how Archaeology and the landscape were covered required closer consideration.

A Member commented that the wording of any response to the consultation should be carefully drafted and said that if a building etc was on the local list the Local Authority should not be committed to maintaining it.

Members agreed that Mr Kidd respond to the consultation on behalf of the Forum.