Buildings of historic or architectural significance across Dudley borough will be recorded to help protect and conserve them for future generations if approved later this month.

On September 13 Dudley Council’s planning committee will be asked to approve the borough’s amended ‘local list’ of buildings which contribute to the local character and distinctiveness of the borough and are worthy of protection and conservation.

The list was first created in 1996 and since then there have been numerous changes to guidance provided by Historic England and within the National Planning Policy Framework which affects which buildings should be included. There has also been consultation with local residents and some changes made to the list in recent years.

It now needs to be fully updated and, if approved by planning committee, it will be adopted and replace the original 1996 list.

In total there are over 290 buildings/structures included in the updated local list. The list includes Churches, Chapels, public houses, schools, shops, a colliery shaft, barns, a former cinema, nail warehouses, chain shops, dwelling houses and even a turnpike milestone. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"We have buildings and structures across the borough which although may not meet national criteria for statutory listing, hold significant historical and architectural value and this is why it’s important we make sure they are protected and conserved and we hold official records.

"It also means when we’re looking at regeneration opportunities, we can ensure local historical assets are considered as part of a development.
This is the first stage of a detailed review of our local list. For the next stage we will be working with the other three Black Country authorities on a government funded project to identify buildings which could be added to the list.

"This will also allow us to full recognise the Black Country becoming a UNESCO Global Geopark and will enable heritage assets of geological significance to be added. There will be full pubic engagement on the proposals."