Residents are being urged to identify the historic buildings, monuments and heritage sites in Tendring that matter most to them.

Tendring District Council is preparing a list of sites that are important to local people, but do not necessarily meet the specifications to be listed as officially designated heritage assets.

As part of the Council’s Heritage Strategy, the Cabinet adopted its own criteria for its Local Heritage List at a meeting on Friday (26 July).

It also authorised a six-month ‘Call for Heritage Sites’ public consultation, which will take place later this year.

During the consultation people will be invited to make suggestions as to what should be included on the list.

Mark Stephenson, Leader of the Council, said: “The Local Heritage List is an opportunity for the local community and the council to work in partnership to identify heritage assets that are valued and distinct elements of the local historic environment.

“Non-designated heritage assets are buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes that are identified as having a degree of heritage significance, meriting consideration in planning decisions, but which do not meet the criteria for designated heritage assets.

“For example, war memorials or other structures considered to be of local significance could be submitted for inclusion on the Local List.

“We will now be issuing a call for heritage sites as part of a public consultation so that the process can get underway, illustrating our commitment to enhance, conserve and protect the district’s rich historic environment.”

The Cabinet has also adopted the first seven of 20 planned Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans, covering the areas of Brightlingsea, Lower Dovercourt, Frinton and Walton, Great Bentley, Harwich, Thorpe-Le-Soken, and Thorpe-Le-Soken Station and Maltings.

“Once adopted these become a material consideration in planning terms and form part of a defence against speculative planning applications,” added Councillor Stephenson.

“These documents protect our treasured heritage assets.

“As part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan, promoting our heritage, which in turn attracts visitors and encourage them to stay longer, runs through everything we do.”

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