REGISTER YOUR FAVOURITE BOROUGH LANDMARKS

Residents are being asked to nominate their favourite landmarks in the borough as part of a biennial review of a local register.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is updating its register of locally important buildings and structures which is used during the planning process to try and protect sites which fall short of statutory listing.

There are now 140 entries on the register including a post box in Audley, a ghost sign in Brunswick Street, Newcastle; a former mill in Madeley, a red telephone box in Oldcott Drive, Kidsgrove; a mining sculpture in Silverdale, a pig sty in Wrinehill and a number of war memorials.

New suggestions will be inspected and assessed against criteria such as authenticity, architectural value, historic interest, visual importance and community value.

Nominations can be completed online by Friday, 20 September.

Cllr. Andrew Fear, Cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “Newcastle has many examples of fine historical and characterful architecture. This is an opportunity for local communities to identify and celebrate our fantastic heritage and help preserve it for future generations.

“Although not protected by the Government, the Council uses the local register to inform any planning decisions, by considering its conservation as a heritage asset, to try and protect sites from harmful change and demolition. Heritage assets are irreplaceable and should be appropriately looked after.

“The nomination scheme is popular with residents and I hope they continue to support it.”

Nominations will be reviewed in the autumn with a view to the revised list being approved by planning committee towards the end of the year.