Agenda item

The Principal Conservation Officer presented the Local Heritage Action List Quarterly Update for Member’s consideration.

The Board were informed of progress on preparing the lists and are still inviting nominations for all areas.

Work on drafting the lists for Lickey and Blackwell, Bromsgrove, Wythall and Bournheath continued but had been reduced due to staff sickness and a rise of Development Management work in January and February.  It was hoped that the delay would allow the Bromsgrove Society to contribute to the Bromsgrove list also.

Following consideration of the presentation, Members provided the following comments:

• A Member queried how the selection process for listings was co-ordinated and requested if Lickey End and Norton could be a future consideration of review, advising that some listed buildings were situated in the area.  – In response the Board were informed that parishes were generally considered instead of by ward area (apart from the Bromsgrove and Rubery areas) and the Conservation Team had decided that Parishes/areas were selected in alphabetical order for fairness.  It was advised that the Conservation Team were happy to receive any nominations which would be banked, however, may not be reviewed until the parish/area in which they are located is being reviewed.   However, a visit could be arranged to provide a local listing information evening to provide a talk on the allocation process.
• A Member requested progress on the drafting of lists for Lickey and Blackwell. – In response the Board were informed that lists were being actively worked on and there had been discussions with the Parish Council, albeit some time ago. They had also submitted nominations.
• A Member suggested if Aston Field could be considered. – Advice of how to locate the nomination forms on the BDC Website was provided to Members.
• When reviewing Bromsgrove, was it solely the Town Centre for consideration? – In response the group were advised that it was not solely the Town Centre and that a list of the wards included in the Bromsgrove area would be provided for Members’ consideration.
• Were further delays envisaged due to the rise in the Development Management work? – In response Members were informed that the work for the local plan was unpredictable, however, it was hoped progress on the lists would improve with the impending return of a staff member who had been on sick leave.
• Would Rubery be a future consideration? – The Principal Conservation Officer advised that Rubery could be a consideration.  It was highlighted that the Cardinal Newman’s House  had  been flagged for consideration which was within the District’s jurisdiction, at a recent talk given by the Principal Conservation Officer.
• A Member raised concerns regarding Bilberry Hill Tearooms based in the Cofton Parish, which had been gifted to Birmingham City Council but had seemed reluctant to assist with the building’s restoration.  The building had dilapidated and was in serious need of repair.  It was requested if the building could be reviewed by the Conservation Team. – The Board were advised that if the building was in private ownership and not listed, it would be difficult to assist.  However, the Conservation Team were aware that West Midlands Building Preservation Trust had shown interest in the building, and if they were prepared to take it on as a project, they would have access to various grant monies to repair it.   It was agreed that contact details would be provided to Councillor A. Dale.

RESOLVED that the Local Heritage Action List (Quarterly Update) by noted.