News

More Protection For Historic Places Across Harborough

Written by HFM News on 17th March 2023

Eleven historic buildings and structures across Harborough are be given more protection.

The former Magistrates’ Court and Cemetery Chapels in Market Harborough, former railway station in Great Glen and The Tower House in Gumley are among those to be added to Harborough District Council’s list of Heritage Assets.

Many of the places were nominated by members of the public as being significant, because of their historic, architectural or archaeological interest.

Former Magistrates’ Court in Market Harborough

Within the Harborough District there is a wealth of nationally recognised heritage assets ,with 1,284 listed buildings, six historic parks and gardens, 65 scheduled monuments and 63 conservation areas, all of which are designated heritage assets and protected through national legislation.

Although the new status does not safeguard the buildings as much as if they received national ‘listed’ status, it does mean their significance is taken into account in planning applications for the sites or other buildings near-by.

Cllr Bateman, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Heritage and Conservation, said: “It’s essential that we identify the assets that contribute to the historic character of the area and make the district distinctive.

“By maintaining a list of non-designated heritage assets we are ensuring that we are in a better position to be able to preserve them for the future enjoyment of residents and visitors through, for example, the Local Plan or planning applications.”