Lea cross in Cottam and the Lea Methodist Church spire Pics: Tony Worrall

Parts of Preston’s rural heritage could get extra protection under a new planning law.

Preston City Council is seeking to create a Local Heritage List with residents nominating churches, shops, pubs or other buildings they think should be recognised as important.

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Councillor John Swindells, cabinet member for planning and regulation, has signed off the idea of creating the heritage list covering Lea, Preston Rural North and Preston Rural East.

In a report to him officers outline how the list would work.

They write: “Local Heritage Listing is a means for a community and a local authority to jointly identify heritage assets that are valued as distinctive elements of the local environment. The process of preparing a local heritage list not only allows local people to identify local heritage that they would like to see recognised and protected but is also an opportunity for local authorities and communities to work in partnership.

“A Local Heritage List is not restricted to buildings, it may comprise of sites, places or features such as village greens or ponds. It may include structures such as bridges, historic street furniture such as post boxes, telephone boxes or signposts. Their local interest could be related to the social and economic history the area, individuals of local importance, settlement patterns or the age, design and style of buildings.

“Creating a local heritage list also helps to improve access to clear, comprehensive and current information about the historic environment. This in turn should lead to better  Preston City Council informed decision making through the planning process to ensure that development proposals make a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.”

Related: Penwortham Plan outlines which buildings should be protected

The council is writing to each Parish Council on the edges of the city to ask for their input.

The report states they want to focus their efforts on finding heritage in the rural areas of Preston.

Consultation on the list has not begun yet but is due to start after the plans have been formally given the nod after Friday 19 February. Full details of the decision are available on the city council website.

Where do you think should be protected in these areas? Let us know in the comments below