Five Historic Sites Added to Birmingham's Local Heritage List

What's happened

Birmingham City Council's Planning Committee has officially agreed to add five historic sites to the Birmingham Local Heritage List. The sites include The Electric cinema on Station Street, Cherry Reds on John Bright Street, The Gazette Buildings on Corporation Street, the medieval moat and Yardley Ridge and Furrow Earthworks in Old Yardley Park, and The Windmill Pub on Dudley Road.

What it means for Erdington and Pype Hayes

While these specific sites are located outside our immediate ward, the decision highlights the council's approach to preserving cultural assets. Inclusion on the Local Heritage List means that the heritage significance of these sites becomes a 'material consideration' in any planning decisions affecting them. However, it does not offer the same statutory protection as the National Heritage List for England, meaning it does not prevent alteration, redevelopment, or demolition.

Where I stand

As your Reform UK councillor, I support the preservation of our city's rich history. It is vital that we protect the character and identity of Birmingham for future generations. However, we must ensure that this commitment to heritage is applied consistently across all areas, including Erdington and Pype Hayes. Some may argue that focusing on city centre landmarks detracts from local neighbourhood issues, but I believe a strong, culturally vibrant city centre benefits us all, provided local heritage is not neglected.

What happens next

The council's conservation team will continue to assess nominations for new sites to the Local Heritage List. My office will monitor these developments to ensure that any potential heritage sites within Erdington and Pype Hayes receive the recognition and protection they deserve.

Questions we're asking

As the Reform UK opposition, I am putting these questions to the decision-maker on residents' behalf:

• Councillor Deborah Harries, given that inclusion on the Local Heritage List does not prevent demolition, what concrete steps is the council taking to ensure these sites are genuinely protected?
• How much council funding is allocated to the maintenance and promotion of these newly listed sites?
• What is the timeline for reviewing and potentially upgrading these sites to the National Heritage List for England?
• How will the council ensure that heritage sites in outer wards like Erdington and Pype Hayes receive equal attention and resources?

Have your say

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Source: Birmingham City Council