Heritage assessors needed to list local sites and buildings

The group will list heritage sites and buildings which have not been designated by English Heritage but are of significant local interest.
The work will be carried out by local assessors, who can be anyone interested in heritage. There is no need for particular background knowledge but a free training course is planned once funding has been approved.
The scheme, which has been approved by West Berkshire Council, aims to identify buildings and other assets which merit listing and submit them to a panel of heritage specialists. The final listing decisions will be made by senior council officers.
The chairman of West Berkshire Heritage Forum and Newbury town councillor, Anthony Pick, said: “I hope this scheme will give a sense of pride in the community and improve people’s awarness of their local buildings.”
The listings will be treated as a normal application and will not involve listed building consent or create new legal obligations, but this information will appear on the district council’s website and for planning applications.
The leader of Newbury Town Council, Julian Swift-Hook, said: “We know that at this time of year, people are often looking for new challenges and this is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in heritage to assist in the protection of Newbury’s Heritage.”
A walk through Newbury to examine and consider sites for local listing has been arranged by the Heritage Working Group for 2.30pm on Tuesday, January 29, at Newbury Town Hall.
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer assessor or serve on the Heritage Working Group; contact Anthony Pick on (01635) 32095 or email