Conservative Councillor Melanie Baker is the portfolio holder for Planning & Housing for Malvern Hills District Council and part of her role is to be the liaison councillor to Malvern Civic Society.
The 47-year-old Malvern-based businesswoman chaired the Planning Committee which debated the ‘Local List’ Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Inclusion of a non-designated heritage asset on a local list will give it a greater level of protection by helping to inform decisions on matters that affect them. If the asset is of significant interest it will be a material consideration in the planning process but will not be subject to any additional planning controls over alteration or demolition.
Councillor Baker said: “Malvern Hills District has many listed buildings and structures including a registered battlefield which are designated a heritage asset which means they are protected under legislation. However, there are still many buildings, structures and landscapes that the community holds dear and which make a valuable contribution to a local sense of history and quality of life.
“I believe the local list will play an essential role in building and reinforcing a sense of community by helping to protect the historic distinctiveness of the area. I am delighted that Malvern Civic Society would like to play a role in compiling the information and look forward to their valuable contributions; however it should be noted that it will ultimately be the decision of the MHDC Planning Committee whether an asset is included on the ‘Local List’.”
“Malvern was recently listed the second best place to live in the Midlands region, although I happen to think it’s the best in the country. I am always proud to show visitors the historic buildings, gas lamps and post boxes and I am sure the civic pride I feel runs through the veins of many other Malvern residents.”
“I have been very encouraged with the dialogue between Malvern Civic Society and the district council and I hope this will continue long into the future.”