Historic Hetton: Sunderland community set to become living museum under new plans to safeguard its history

Town councillors are hoping to register Hetton as an ‘area of special local character’ in a bid to preserve the area’s local history.
The Smithy in Hetton is one of a number of historical gems in the townThe Smithy in Hetton is one of a number of historical gems in the town
The Smithy in Hetton is one of a number of historical gems in the town

Members of Hetton Town Council have raised concerns about planning applications for historic buildings at several meetings this year.

This included proposals to partially demolish part of The Cottage at Park View to construct three new dwellings.

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Although the Lyons Tavern plans were turned down by the city council’s planning authority this month, town councillors are hoping to take formal steps to preserve Hetton’s history for future generations.

Town clerk, Graeme Keedy, updated councillors on the plans at a full council meeting on June 15, which was held digitally in line with social distancing guidelines.

“I have included this agenda item [Historic Hetton] on the back of comments that have been made on several occasions when we have been discussing planning applications about the need to preserve the historic character of Hetton,” he said.

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“I have identified what is known as an area of special local character which is a designation which stops short of being a conservation area.

“It’s a mechanism which enables the town council and committee to identify potential buildings of historic interest which will then be taken into consideration by planning.”

Previous comments at town council meetings have included fears about the demolition of historic buildings, potential “urban sprawl” and the loss of Hetton’s ‘local character’.

Following discussion this week, town councillors agreed to write to Sunderland City Council to explore the planning status further.

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The town clerk added enquiries had also been made to Historic England about the bid.

“I think it’s very worthwhile and we should pursue it,” Coun Richard Elvin added.

There have been a number of initiatives to preserve and bring to life Hetton’s historic character in recent years, including the restoration and resurrection of the town’s Hetton Smithy, a traditional blacksmith’s workshop.

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