Agenda item

(To receive a report from Ian George, Places Manager, which details a project in progress to improve understanding of the historic environment of thirty market towns across Greater Lincolnshire)

Consideration was given to a report which detailed a project in progress to improve understanding of the historic environment of thirty market towns across Greater Lincolnshire.  The project formed part of a national programme promoted and fully funded by Historic England.  Its overall aim was to support more effective local planning and development by understanding heritage and cultural assets in relation to the historic development of their communities rather than simply as individual items without relationship to one another.  It was expected that the project would take around three years to complete.  A list of towns that would be included in the project had been attached at Appendix A to the report.

Members also received a presentation which provided further information and maps in relation to the Lincolnshire Extensive Urban Survey project.

Comments by members and the responses of officers included:-

·         A countrywide survey was carried out to ascertain the views of the public about each area's strengths, such as rural villages, heritage, etc, and Lincolnshire scored highly within these areas.

·         Was this project repeating work which had already been done? It was noted that South Kesteven District Council had just about completed its Local Plan which was about to be adopted but this would need to be refreshed again in five years.  There was value around place and the role that heritage played in defining a place was important.  This work would feed into the place making agenda.  There was a need for a long term conversation about what should be changed and what should be protected for future generations.

·         It was acknowledged that the information for the project did already exist. However, the problem was that it was not all in one place that people were easily able to access. The final report would be lodged with the Historic Environment Team as well as a copy being sent to each planning authority in the county.  This project was welcomed by all planning authorities and they were looking forward to the results of the work.

·         Boston's heritage had been well researched but the information was not together.  Those that were actively involved in the heritage aspects of the town were aware of this project and would welcome community engagement with the wider public as part of the project. It was commented that it was very important that people valued where they lived and a sense of ownership was important.  A sense of wellbeing could have the further effect on the economy of a place as it would make people who lived there encourage others to come and visit.

·         It was commented that joining up Lincolnshire's heritage was very important and it was queried whether the presentation slides could be released to members so they could send them on to town and parish councils.

·         It was interesting how the town of Holbeach had developed over time and that these changes were an important part of the town centre's regeneration and it could be used to plan for the future.  This would be a really interesting project.

·         This project was welcomed and that every market town in Lincolnshire had its own unique selling point but that they had never been brought together all in one place.

·         A member commented they were excited about the project and had lived in Wainfleet for 27 years.  There were also a lot of sites in Spilsby which were not promoted as they should be.

·         It was important to engage with the public that lived in each of the towns. People were now caring more about their environment and wanted it to look nice. Members were pleased to be involved with this project and it tied in well with the high street vitality working group.

·         How could market towns get involved?  Members were advised that the Project Officer had been in touch with all parishes involved and press articles and radio broadcasts had also gone out. 

·         The grave of Matthew Flinders had been found during excavations of a train station in London and that as he was from Donington could a case be made to bring his remains back to the county?  It was noted that this had been raised by some of the executive members and officers had been tasked with looking into this.  Members were advised that the government of South Australia had already put in a bid for his remains to be taken to Australia. 

·         Would this happen in three years' time at the end of the project?  It was hoped that the results would be embedded within the thinking of planners.  Officers were aware of the legacy of this work and ensuring that it lived on.

·         Could civic societies take on the document at the end of the project? Members were advised that they would be involved in some way.  Officers would be giving talks in the towns to the civic and historic societies.

·         £230,000 had been received to fund the project and it was hoped to obtain other resources to assist with the education aspect of the project.

RESOLVED

            That the Committee note the report on the Lincolnshire Extensive   Urban Survey project and supported the work being undertaken.