CONSERVATION chiefs are on the lookout for the hidden architectural gems in Bolton which are worth preserving.

Under government planning laws, buildings which are locally listed are afforded better protection from redevelopment.

This may not be as comprehensive as grade I or grade II listed buildings but around half of the councils in the UK operate their own ‘local list’ of heritage assets.

Such lists though, say experts, are often incomplete or out-of-date so the Great Manchester Local List Heritage Project has been established to remedy that.

Working with Bolton Council and the city region’s combined authority, the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service, during October and November, is working on a wholesale revision of the borough’s local list. For instance, the council compiled a list of ‘non-designated heritage assets’ in 2019 as part of the Blackrod Neighbourhood Plan.

This included recognising the likes of Bobbin Hall and associated cottages, Highfield House, the old Boatmans pub, grammar school and police station, among others, as being on the local list.

Jackie Whelan, GMAAS heritage conservation officer for Bolton, said: “Bolton has a distinctive and diverse heritage, ranging from its stone-built model villages in its Pennine fringes, its architecturally distinctive mills and former industrial sites to its grand civic centre.

“A local list will capture the heritage that is cherished by the community and help understand its significance for today and future generations.”

“The project is open to everyone, you don’t need any experience of heritage work to take part.

“You can learn more about the project and make nominations on the Greater Manchester Local Heritage List Project website.

“You can also visit Bolton Central, Westhoughton, Harwood and Farnworth Libraries to see an exhibition about the project or pick up a nomination form. Nominations are open until the end of November.”

Those interested in taking part can go online to https://local-heritage-list.org.uk/greater-manchester

For the months of October and November, residents will be able to nominate their favourite historic buildings, landscapes, historic sites, public art, monuments and even street furniture to join the Local Heritage List for Greater Manchester.