Listed Buildings

Buildings of "Special Architectural or Historic Interest" are "listed" by English Heritage. The "listing" of a building provides statutory protection against alteration or demolition which would damage its special architectural or historical interest. The list includes a brief description of each property, however this is to aid its identification and does not describe what is listed.

Most buildings built between 1700 and 1849 are listed. Some buildings after this date are also listed but the criteria are stricter. Modern buildings must be exceptionally important and normally over 30 years old to be listed. Factors
considered are age, rarity and architectural merit. There are three categories; Grade I and II* are of national and international importance and Grade II are of regional and local interest.

Listed Building consent is required for any internal or external alterations to a Listed Building. We advise you to speak to us with regard to proposed works and any requirement for consent before you consider undertaking any work.

In order to preserve a listed building, it is sometimes necessary to put it to a new use. However such re use should be appropriate and any conversion work must be carefully designed not to harm the building's character. The Council will look positively at proposals for new uses where this would help to preserve historic buildings and is happy to offer advice on repairs and alterations. You can also view our "Guidance on the Repair, Alteration and Extension of Listed and Other Historic Buildings" document (PDF 767Kb).

Historic environment records

View details of the Borough's Listed Buildings by searching the Historic environment records here. You can also view the details at the Civic Centre.

Information on historic buildings

We produce a number of leaflets and guidance notes to assist in looking after historic buildings, and general information on conservation issues. Please see the planning publications list to view the full range.

Flooding and historic buildings

English Heritage has provided guidance for home owners, small businesses and others involved with managing historic buildings, on ways to establish flood risk and prepare for possible flooding by installing flood protection measures.

Establishing the extent of flood risk is important in deciding how to manage the risk and the level of protection needed. The note advises that flood protection works must be applied with sensitivity to a historic building so that they do not damage the special interest or integrity of the building or any associated archaeological remains. In particular, the aim must be to retain and respect the existing structure and materials.

A number of flood resilient and repair measures are recommended including the use of temporary and permanent barriers, but these should be discreet and compatible with an older property. Some flood protection works may require listed building consent or planning permission.

It also recommends actions to be taken during and after a flood so as to minimise damage and risks. Older buildings are not only at risk from flood damage but also damage from inappropriate remedial works carried out by contractors who have little understanding of historic fabric.

The advice note can be downloaded from the English Heritage website.

Further information

The Local History Centre also has information on the Borough’s buildings. For further information on Listed Buildings and the listing process, you may wish to contact English Heritage which is the body responsible for identifying and protecting the County’s rich architectural heritage.

The Images of England project holds details of England’s 370,000 Listed Buildings. You can search the site for images of Listed Buildings within the Borough (NB: The information contained on the site is not compiled from the Listed Building survey undertaken by the Council).

National amenity societies

There are also a number of National amenity societies who are statutory consultees in certain instances on listed building applications and who deal specifically with historic buildings.

27 JULY 2010/PW/TP/EPS