Ascribing Significance in the ‘Big Society’ Stella Jackson

Overview  A quick bit of theory!  ‘Traditional’ Heritage and Local Landmarks  Designation applications analysis  National vs. local  Big Society and localism  Conclusion

A Quick Bit of Theory!  Significance ascribed for specific purposes  Social cohesion, belonging and identity  Value and significance is not intrinsic

‘Traditional’ Heritage Bodleian Library, Oxford Plymouth Civic Centre

Local Landmarks ‘W HENEVER I HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM OUR BELOVED S TEEL C ITY, THE TOWERS SIGNAL THAT I AM HOME.’

Designation Applications

Analysis  250 applications for new designations analysed  90% Listing applications  48% submitted by members of the public  55% under threat

‘A UNIQUE PROPERTY WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ’ ‘A LANDMARK IN THE TOWN CENTRE ’ ‘ MUCH LOVED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ’ ‘ A N INTRINSIC ELEMENT OF THE CHARACTER OF THE VILLAGE LAYOUT ’ ‘ A N INTEGRAL PART OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE VILLAGE ’

The Fox Public House

Camden Cottages

Tension

The ‘Big Society’  More power to local communities  Volunteerism & social responsibility  Transfer power to local government  Social Enterprise  Open/Transparent Government

Localism ‘N EW C OALITION G OVERNMENT PROPOSALS WOULD NOT ALLOW THIS LACK OF CONSULTATION TO HAPPEN : THESE OLD BUILDINGS WOULD BE SAVED IF THIS POLICY WAS IN LAW NOW.’ Application no. 72

Concerns

Conclusions

Thank you! Stella