Victorian gates from Euston Station at Shildon – part of the old Stockton and Darlington Railway line and a statue of Timothy Hackworth in the town square, are among 340 heritage assets across County Durham that are to be promoted and afforded increased protection, having been put forward for inclusion in Durham County Council’s Local Heritage Listings Project.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We all know that County Durham is rich in heritage and this project has proven exactly that, with 340 ‘assets’ identified for inclusion on local lists.
“The variety is remarkable, with the Victorian gates from Euston Station and the satue of Timoty Hackworth just two of the diverse list, which also includes two ice houses and a deserted medieval village.
“We would like to thank everyone who put forward assets for inclusion, which showed the value placed on heritage by residents and communities.
“This project means our heritage can be both promoted and considered in planning decisions and we hope to do further work that will enable us to identify even more local assets in the future.”
Staff from different teams within the authority were tasked with carrying out research, engagement and other work to produce lists of non-designated heritage assets (NDHAs) for eight pilot areas across the county, also known as local lists.
The eight areas are:
Bishop Auckland,
Durham City,
Sacriston,
Seaham,
Sedgefield,
Shotley Bridge,
Staindrop,
The route of the former Stockton and Darlington Railway, including Shildon.
The criteria used to identify candidates for the local lists was developed and agreed with project sponsors; the government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Historic England; and reflects national guidance.
Cabinet was told this week that the project involved extensive engagement with residents and local interest groups in each pilot area.
Sarah Charlesworth, Listing Team Leader for Historic England in the North, said: “There are many historic sites in Durham that might not meet the strict criteria for national listing but are, nevertheless, a much-loved and valuable part of the county’s local heritage.
“The large number of nominations for the local list reflects both the richness of Durham’s heritage and the affection that communities have for these special places on their doorstep.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
