A MOTION to give more protection for the Roman Temple site in Harlow has been agreed by Harlow councillors.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Jake Shepherd and seconded by Councillor Kay Morrison.

It stated:

“The Harlow Roman Temple Site (and Stanegrove Hill) is managed by the Conservation Management Plan (2011). The plan is over a decade old and given the significant changes to the surrounding area, there would be significant benefits to reevaluating the site’s value as both an open space and heritage attraction.

As the Management Plan states, “conservation is a dynamic process… it is proposed that this plan be reviewed annually and every five years… responsibility for reviewing progress will rest with Harlow District Council” (p.50).

This Motion to Full Council proposes four clauses which will protect The Harlow Roman Temple Site (and Stanegrove Hill) by ensuring it is sustainably managed for the future whilst fully realising the potential of one of Harlow’s most notable heritage sites.

i)     This Council resolves to undertake an immediate review/update of the Conservation Management Plan (2011) and seeks to maximise the benefits of the site’s open space and archaeological heritage for the public good.

ii)    This Council notes Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan’s recent comments reported in YourHarlow (24/11/24) and recognises the need to protect Essex’s “priceless and irreplaceable cultural assets”. Subsequently, this Council believes that proactive management of The Harlow Roman Temple Site will deter anti-social behaviour and mitigate against social harms.

iii)   This Council resolves to bid for Lottery Heritage Funding (or other grant funding) to ensure The Harlow Roman Temple Site is a fully accessible and modern heritage site for all residents and visitors.

iv)   This Council notes Historic England’s campaign for a network of Heritage Champions across the country to support the protection of the historic environment at a local level. This Council notes that Historic England encourages all local authorities to appoint a Heritage Champion and resolves to appoint a Heritage Champion at the next Annual Full Council.”

Film of the agenda item is below.