Caring for our borough and shaping its future
Barnsley Civic Trust is an independent, non political, voluntary organisation made up of people who live, work or have a business in Barnsley.
We speak up for local people and help local people have a voice and influence local developments.
Twelve months ago, in March 2020, just before the first lockdown, Barnsley Civic Trust held a well-attended event on The Hidden Art of Barnsley, one of a programme of events in 2019 and the beginning of 2020.
Since that time BCT has not been able to operate; there have been no meetings although posts have continued on Facebook and Twitter, and the website has been revamped
As we near a return to a new normality, it is clear that Barnsley has suffered tremendously and there has never been such a need for people to actively care about the recovery of the centre – its shops, leisure facilities, businesses, public spaces, heritage and the environment.
Barnsley Civic Trust aims to make this its priority by undertaking activities to do what it can to bring the town back to being a lively, prosperous and attractive place for the whole community.
Barnsley Civic Trust is a small group but one which can exert influence to engender a pride in our town and is a primary voice on civic issues. To do this it needs the support of its membership and supporters.
If you are a recent member please reply to the email you have been sent asking you to confirm your intention to continue supporting Barnsley Civic Trust
If you might be interested in supporting Barnsley Civic Trust and perhaps becoming a member, please get in touch for further information.
Masterplans. There are a number of master plans for sites proposed for development out for consultation: ‘Hoyland South’, Hoyland West’ and Royston. Two masterplans have been adopted, one for ‘Barnsley West’ and the one for ‘Hoyland North’. Others are in the pipeline but not yet adopted or out for consultation.
Elsecar. The three year Elsecar Heritage Action Zone has ended with a number of successes. It was a three-year programme (2017-2020) resourced and supported by Historic England working with Barnsley Council and the local community.
Barnsley Civic Trust welcomes the adoption by Barnsley Council of both a Supplementary Planning Document of Best Practice – Design and Maintenance for Elsecar Conservation Area and a Local List of Buildings in Elsecar.
A Local List is useful way of ensuring planning proposals respect the special local interest of buildings, structures or sites on the local list and ensures this is taken into account during the planning process.Buildings, structures or sites are selected for inclusion on the local list based on their relative age, degree of survival, rarity, architectural and historical importance, social and community value and group and townscape merit. It’s good that the Local List approach is intended to be extended across Barnsley.
A second Article 4 Direction has been adopted by Barnsley Council: one relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It will not come into force until this time next year. Representations can be made with a deadline of 3 July 2020. It’s good to see this requirement for planning permission being adopted.
Westfield House. Although work to renovate Westfield House and bring it back into use had started, it had stalled and a new planning application was submitted. It is great to hear that a changed planning application has been approved (19 May) and that work can begin again. There had been some concern in the community, however, following discussions with the council, the applicant amended the proposed development to remove all elements of care and to apply for standard residential units.
Barnsley Civic Trust has suspended its schedule of committee and other meetings as a result of the escalation in the Covid-19 virus situation and the strengthened advice from central government.
We will stay in touch online and continue to comment on local issues and developments and plan for future activities.
Helping and supporting each other at this difficult time is really important. We look forward to the time when the emergency has passed.
Information will be made available on our website and via social media, as well as by email to our members.
During a period extending over the late 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, a series of wonderful artists emerged in Barnsley.
Barnsley Art on Your Doorstep, a project running from 2012-2014, explored and showcased this rich and very often forgotten aspect of Barnsley’s heritage.
The results: a book – available for reference in Barnsley Library, a website, and an exhibition at the Cooper Gallery.
Barnsley Civic Trust is delighted to host an illustrated talk and presentation on ‘The Hidden Art of Barnsley: Monday 2nd March at 7.00pm.
The Lightbox – Barnsley’s Central Library.
Art on Your Doorstep team members – Sally Hayles, Hugh Polehampton, Maureen Wilkinson and Fred Thompson – will provide a visual tour of the 2014 exhibition and discuss the publication and its research.
A unique event – not to be missed. Open to all.
Barnsley Pals Colours Project – a talk by Jane Ainsworth on Monday 17 February and another talk on a Barnsley Building Family at War on Monday 24 February
A new Friends group is being set up for St Mary’s in Barnsley town centre. It’s for people interested in the history of St Mary’s, a grade II* listed church in the centre of Barnsley, and in caring for and promoting its heritage.
The first meeting of the Friends of Barnsley St Mary group is on Friday 17 January 2020 from noon until one o’clock