A historic pillbox could be among the first properties put on a list is to be drawn up of buildings that should be protected in South Holland.
Coun Elizabeth Sneath, portfolio holder for heritage at South Holland District Council, told last week’s meeting of the authority she would look to create the list herself ‘so if one of those is places is threatened we could flag it up and be ready’.
The move followed a request from Coun Ingrid Sheard raised at a previous meeting for more properties be put on a ‘Local Listing’ as overseen by Heritage Lincolnshire.
It doesn’t provide the same protection as officially listed buildings, but Coun Sheard felt could make a difference if the buildings were under threat.
Coun Sneath came back to the last meeting of the council saying the authority would like to take it up.
“The Heritage Lincolnshire ran the process, and it was very clunky so I’m looking to create our own list,” she said.
She is encouraging ward council members to come to her with suggestions. “It doesn’t have to be old. One of the properties I’d like to put on the list is a lovely 1940s house in Holbeach which is unspoilt, untouched and I’m dreading someone putting new windows in.
“The first thing I will be putting on the list is Poppyfields Pill Box as it’s so important.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and effort and it’s really well loved. I’d like to get a proper listing on that, but this could be a start.”
When asked if members of the public could suggest buildings for the local list, Coun Sneath responded that it was still ‘very early stages’ and advised them to do so by contacting their ward councillor.
“There will be no legal or official standing with it all at this stage, but I want to raise awareness that we can and must protect our surroundings,” she continued.
“Local listing provides an opportunity for communities to voice their views on local heritage.
“It recognises the importance we place on the historic environment extends beyond the confines of the planning system and recognises those community values that contribute to our sense of place.
The pillbox, on the corner of Buttercup Close and Lavender Way, in Spalding, is a remnant of World War Two. They were built as defence outposts in case of invasion.
