The heritage strategy 2018 – 2023 was presented to Council. Members thanked the author for his hard work.
At this stage, Councillor Bessant declared that he had recently moved into a property that was identified in the strategy and stated that he would not vote on the item due to having a personal interest.
It was moved by Councillor Surtees, seconded by Councillor Hall and
RESOLVED – the heritage strategy and accompanying background and action plan be adopted.
Members received the heritage strategy and action plan which set out the proactive approach going forward. During discussion, the following points were raised by members:
· The need to protect conservation areas and keep related documentation up to date. In response officers outlined good practice of reappraising these every five years and the need to revisit some existing documents
· The reference within the report to a ‘spa town’. Officers responded that this was a reference to the historic association with the Big Pit
· The VAT costs for works to listed buildings. In response it was reported that heritage societies had been lobbying for work to listed buildings to be zero rated
· The need to retain focussed funding for heritage work.
RESOLVED – the report be endorsed.