In 2014/15 East Cambridgeshire District Council called for the public to nominate buildings and structures in the district to be included on a register of ‘buildings of local interest’.  About 200 nominations were received; these were assessed against set criteria by an independent panel of experts, and a draft register of 94 buildings has been drawn up.

The council is now asking for the public’s thoughts on the proposed register.  Do you agree with the buildings and structures that have been included?  Do you have any information about the history of a particular building or structure on the register?

You can view or download the draft register here and read more about the process here. In the Sutton division, the register includes

Little Downham

• Cast Iron Stink Pipe, rear of 78 Cannon Street
• Baptist Sunday School, corner of Main Street and Chapel Lane
• Old Methodist Chapel, Main Street
• Old Methodist Sunday School, Main Street
• Old Standpipe, Townsend

Mepal

• 17 Bridge Lane

Sutton

• The Grove, Sutton Gault
• The Anchor, Sutton Gault
• 6 High Street
• Methodist Chapel, High Street
• 83 High Street
• 85 High Street
• The Chequers, High Street
• Rose Cottage, Station Road
• Eastwood, Station Road
• 18 Sutton Park

Witcham

• White Horse Inn, Silver Street
• Witcham House, Headley’s Lane
• Grange Farm, Silver Street
• Barn to rear 21 High Street

The public consultation period will run from Monday 1 August 2016 until 5:00pm on Friday 16 September 2016.

What are the implications for owners?

The Buildings of Local Interest Register identifies buildings and structures so that they can be given protection through the planning process.  A building or structure on the Local Register does not have any additional statutory protection.  However, a local register entry would be a material consideration when determining planning applications to ensure that any change to the building did not harm its special interest.  Planning policy encourages the retention and protection of the special character of ‘local register’ buildings.  Any external alterations should respect the character of the building.  There will be a presumption against the demolition of a ‘Locally Registered’ building or structure.

You can send comments on the register by email to conservation@eastcambs.gov.uk (link sends e-mail) or by post to Conservation, ECDC, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely CB7 4EE.