BY MALCOLM CRESSEY
We are blessed with a rich selection of heritage sites across our borough. At last count, there are some 473 heritage assets of which 396 are “designated” sites whilst 77 are “locally listed” sites. Chertsey has nearly 40% of all the assets in the Borough, followed by Egham, Englefield Green and Thorpe.
There is a complete list at: https://www.runnymede.gov.uk/article/15530/Conservation-Areas-and-Listed-Buildings-policy-documents-and-guidance-
The Runnymede Borough Council Local Plan defines a heritage asset as: A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest.
Heritage assets includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority. The value of a heritage asset to this and future generations may be archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. The significance is derived not only from the heritage asset’s physical presence, but also from its setting, in which greenbelt land is often critical.
What we are already seeing and I fear will continue to see over the coming few years, is an increase in the importance being placed on new development, currently threatening around 10% of our greenbelt, and less significance being given to heritage sites. Some might say it is simply striking a balance between protecting our heritage and building the 7,500 new homes we need in Runnymede.
Pressure for development makes it more not less important that we understand and appreciate our irreplaceable heritage and seek ways to incorporate it into new developments instead of destroying it. We need to adapt for the present and not ruin for the future.