Aylesbury Vale sites considered for historic protection

They are included on a list of more than 20 sites in Bucks which the county council is considering putting forward for designation.

The final list to be submitted to Historic England is yet to be confirmed.

However, the long-list includes the deserted medieval hamlet in Quarrendon Leas which is ‘under major development pressure in its immediate surroundings’.

The Roman roadside settlement in Fleet Marston, which is under ‘major threat’ from HS2 and development is also under consideration.

Boarstall, which is subject to the oldest surviving map of a village in the country, could also be put forward for protection.

This includes the 17th century Duck Decoy, which is already owned by the National Trust, and the village itself, which is home to a fortified medieval gatehouse, moat and earthworks.

The old St Mary’s Church in Stoke Mandeville, which sits on the route of HS2, is also on the list.

Once submitted, Historic England will make a recommendation to the government on whether they should be designated as a scheduled monument, listed or registered as historic parkland

While designation does offer some protection, it is not absolute.

This is particularly in the case of HS2, as parliamentary consent for the project can supersede designated status.