Lib Dems move to protect local landmarks

12.00.00am GMT Tue 19th Feb 2008

Cllr Leek and Cllr Baker at Creevela Works in Walkley

Local people will be given extra powers to protect important local landmarks under plans from the local Liberal Democrats. Lib Dems want to preserve Sheffield's local heritage which has been under threat from overzealous developers and a Council not listening to local people.

Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council want to introduce a new policy aimed at preserving Sheffield's heritage. The move would allow extra protection for buildings that aren't listed and are not in a conservation area.

Under the policy communities would be able to put 'local lists' of important local landmarks and buildings together across Sheffield. Councillors would then consider these as part of any planning application involving the site.

Lib Dems have highlighted Creevela Works, on the corner of Parsonage Crescent and Parsonage Street in Walkley, as an example of such a building. In 2004 local residents and local Lib Dem Cllr Diane Leek successfully battled against plans to demolish the historic building and replace it with flats.

The 'local lists' could become 'material planning consideration', meaning that planning applications could be recommended for refusal if they fail to take account of the important building.

Cllr David Baker, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and Culture, said: -

"All too often we have seen important local landmarks and buildings altered or demolished by developers against the wishes of the local community. We believe that local people should be given extra powers to preserve their sites of local heritage across Sheffield."

"Creating 'local lists' will give people the opportunity to protect some of these buildings which aren't in a conservation site or listed, but are still important to local people. It's important that we give communities the power to shape the development of their own neighbourhood."

"At a time when planning applications for even more flats and apartments in our suburbs are being submitted on a daily basis, it's important that safeguards are put in place to protect local heritage. We are working with Council officers to make sure this is introduced."

Cllr Diane Leek, Liberal Democrat member for Walkley Ward, said: -

"Although Creevela Works is not listed or in a conservation area, it is a landmark in Walkley and an important part of our local heritage. Giving these types of buildings extra protection through 'local lists' could help avoid the battle local residents had on their hands when it was earmarked for demolition."