A list is being drawn up to protect important and historical buildings in the Ely area – and residents are being urged to nominate their favourites.

Officers at East Cambridgeshire District Council are launching a new project called ‘Buildings of Local Interest’.

The scheme will see a special register being devised to identify and formally recognise significant assets which define the district.

Those assets can be everything from houses to bridges and war memorials to walls, as well as street furniture, monuments and designed landscapes.

While inclusion on the list is not the same as being nationally listed, those which qualify will have their listing taken into consideration should they be involved in a planning application.

All the owners of nominated buildings and structures will then be consulted to allow them to make any representations.

All comments received, both for and against, a nomination will be considered alongside the criteria by an independent panel of experts.

Residents and organisations across the district are now being urged to nominate which assets they believe should be on the list.

Cllr Peter Moakes, chairman of the council’s development and transport committee, said: “Our district contains a great wealth and variety of buildings and structures of special significance which contribute to the character of our towns and villages.

“These buildings help to reinforce local distinctiveness and sense of place but the majority are not nationally listed and not subject to specific planning protection.

“Inclusion on the ‘Buildings of Local Interest’ register will highlight the unsung heroes of our architectural heritage which are not as obvious as churches and grand halls but are important to communities.

“They could be structures such as the Second World War pill box that you used to play in as a child or the old pub on the corner – our aim is to consider anything which enriches our lives.”

Nominations can be made by visiting www.eastcambs.gov.uk, by emailing conservation@eastcambs.gov.uk or by calling Lorraine Brown on (01353) 665555. The closing date is Friday, May 2.