LANDMARKS in the Lutterworth area are among heritage assets to be preserved for future generations by Harborough District Council.
A decorative row of traditional terraced cottages in Walcote and two sets of gate piers at the entrance to the former Bitteswell Hall have been added to the council’s list of ‘non-designated heritage assets’ – deemed worthy of protection due to their historic, architectural or archaeological interest.
The cottages in Lutterworth Road in Walcote were built in 1855 on the old Harborough to Lutterworth turnpike to house estate workers from the surrounding agricultural land.
Their decorative red brickwork with striking porches, chimneys and dormer windows provide architectural character to the row. The end terrace properties have small brick porches and dormers, and a distinctive front projecting gable that creates an attractive book-end feature to the row.
The two sets of Gate Piers in Bitteswell are located either side of Hall Lane at the entrance to the former Bitteswell Hall. The hall was built in 1838 and demolished in 1928. The gates provided access to the mansion via a carriage drive through the timbered parkland, and provide lasting links to the farming history of Bitteswell and Lutterworth, and to the hunting history of Leicestershire.
The council’s heritage and conservation spokesman Coun Jonathan Bateman 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.”
A non-designated heritage list is a way for the council and communities to identify and celebrate buildings, sites and landscapes which are deemed worthy of protection due to their historic, architectural or archaeological interest – but which are not included among Harborough District’s ‘designated heritage assets’.
Once identified, assets are scored and if they meet the criteria, they are included on the council’s Local List of non-designated heritage assets which, as well as helping to preserve them for the future, can attract tourism, business and investment.
The council is again asking people to nominate assets for inclusion in the list. Assets can also be identified through Conservation Area Appraisals or Neighbourhood Planning.
Email [email protected] to nominate a site or building for future inclusion in the list.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/pwjkh663 more more information on all the heritage assets in Harborough District.
