Ascribing Significance in the ‘Big Society’

Stella Jackson (saj504@york.ac.uk)

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, OxfordPlymouth Civic Centre

Local Landmarks

‘WHENEVER I HAVE BEEN AWAY FROM OUR BELOVED STEEL CITY, 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 COMMUNIT

Y’‘AN

INTRINSIC ELEMENT OF THE

CHARACTER OF THE VILLAGE LAYOUT’

‘AN 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

‘NEW COALITION GOVERNMENT 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 Jackson saj504@york.ac.uk