Hello Phillip

Are you saying in part of your text that once English Heritage (EH) did a survey of the buildings at Driffield and other aerodromes and as a result EH decided not to list a particular building, then the building which was not listed by EH could not be considered again for listing and/or that the owner could also use the EH Survey against future requests for listing of that building?

When EH first looked at RAF West Raynham (preferred over RAF Driffield), the MoD stated they didn’t want West Raynham included in a list of recommendations contained in a draft report published in 2000. As a result of these objects made by the MoD, West Raynham was removed. On most sites only a few buildings were recommended for listed status, but site like West Raynham and Bicester most of the buildings were recommended for listed status.

However, now that West Raynham has been sold off there is nothing to stop EH from reinstating its original recommendations. However, the land owner can secure a COI or Certificate of Immunity preventing a building from being listed.

At Driffield EH walked away from Driffield stating they could not recommend that any of the buildings be listed, even though it was declared a close second to RAF West Raynham. EH should have gone back to Driffield and made an effort to include Driffield but decided not to. In recent times I have tried to secure listed status for the buildings, but both EH refused to support my requested for list status, while the local conservation officer refused to get involved due to the commercial nature of the site, which was being sold. I understand that the hangars are safe for the time being.

The response from EH to my letter reproduced above was cryptic to say the least. They are adamant that their work is done, yet they have admitted to me in the past that they are currently looking at a control tower in the New Forest (at the former RAF Ibsley) that does not appear on the thematic review.

I could probably of put that question better, but would be interested to know, as I am trying to get two buildings of historical interest listed in my village, one EH have surveyed and a Report with their recommendations is going to the Secretary of State. However the other building, our village pub, which changed hands in 1746 and obviously existed before then, I was having difficulty to get the building listed with my 200 year old history in my original application.

Because I now have the earlier history back to 1746 and more information since my initial listing application, EH advise that the listing application can be reconsidered because of new information. Also I spoke to a Heritage Advisor and she recommended making a fresh application with all the information I have relating to the building and appeal if listing is turned down again.

Regards Mark

Don’t give up. Has your pub been altered to any great extent? Try your local council’s conservation team. They can do wonders. More later through PM.