Wokingham

An historic environment champion is set to take up the fight for Wokingham district's architectural heritage.

Wokingham District Council is committed to the protection and management of the district’s historic environment and as a result is planning to announce at its full council meeting on March 30 that Cllr Annette Drake will undertake this English Heritage role.

Joining a network of English Heritage champions across the country, Wokingham Cllr Drake will be responsible for protecting the historic aspect of the district while helping pave the way for future regeneration. She will ensure that the historic environment is considered when key decisions are taken and plays a central role in the development of all the council’s policies, plans, targets and strategies.

Wokingham Cllr Drake said: “I am committed to working with my colleagues at the council as well as the wider community to persuade them that the historic environment offers many opportunities to improve the quality of life for everyone.

“One of my roles will be looking to attract inward economic investment and funding for the historic environment of the district. And, I will work with planning officers to ensure that new developments in historic areas are creative and sympathetic to its environment. I am keen to promote the cultural heritage of everyone in the whole community.”

An historic environment champion will ensure the historic environment is protected and well managed within the Wokingham district. This will involve working with lots of different council services such as planning, highways, economic development and regeneration to ensure that historic environment is properly considered when key decision are taken. The champion will ensure there is joined-up thinking across many areas.

Cllr Drake will also work with partner organisations, such as the Local Strategic Partnership, to consider the historic environment in the development of their policies and strategies and added: “A combined approach will safeguard precious heritage across the district and I am looking forward to driving this agenda forward.”

Wokingham District Council,