Planning:
A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of national historical or architectural interest. The council are responsible for considering applications to demolish a listed building or for any alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of architectural or historic interest.
Listed Buildings
Introduction
If you own a building which is listed or in a conservation area and wish to apply for consent to carry out work to it, the following information is to help you to do so. If you live in Wales or Scotland, the legislation is similar except that ultimate responsibility rests with the Secretaries of State.
What is a Listed Building?
The list of buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest which merit special protection is drawn up by the Department and is in three grades - culture and sport I (2%), II* (4%) and II (94%). In Scotland, the grades are A, B and C with comparable definitions.
All buildings erected before 1700 which survive in anything like their original form are listed, as are most buildings erected before 1700 and 1840, although some selection is applied. After about 1840, because many more buildings have survived, greater selection is made. Buildings less than 30 years old are normally listed only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat.
You can see a copy of the statutory list for your area free of charge at your District Council offices. Each entry has an address an description so that the listed building can be clearly identified. Listing protects the whole of the building inside and out. Even if something is not mentioned in the description therefore, it is still listed. In addition, protection also applies to attached and sometimes adjacent buildings if erected before 1st July 1948.
When is Listed Building Consent Required?
Listed building consent is quite separate from Planning Permission and is sometimes required even in situations where the latter is not required. Consent is necessary for any work to the inside or outside of a listed building which affects its "special interest".
As well a major changes, this usually includes minor alterations such as stone cleaning, painting, re-thatching etc. Repairs carried out in matching materials, design and form, do not usually require consent.
If you have any doubt about whether a building is covered by the listing or whether consent is required for specific works, please contact us before starting work.
Submitting an application for Listed Building Consent
As a Local Planning Authority, we must pay special regard to the issue of preserving a listed building, its setting and any features of special interest it may contain. Listing does not however seek to prevent all future change to the building and the prime objective is to protect the building from unsympathetic alterations.
Why is a design statement needed (pdf)
There is no charge for the submission of an application for listed building consent, nor for pre-application advice in relation to the same.
To apply for listed building consent, you need to complete a special application form (please also read the Guidance Notes before applying):
The Responsibilities of Owners of Listed Buildings
Listed Buildings are an important part of our national heritage. If you own one, you have a duty to keep it in reasonable repair. District Councils will normally advise you on specific problems which may arise. Carrying out work to a listed building without consent is a criminal offence and will be dealt with appropriately.
In cases of deliberate neglect, we as a Council have powers (including the use of the courts) to ensure that repairs are carried out. If you are ever served with any formal notices or summonses in connection with a listed building which you own, you should seek professional advice immediately.
Sources of information to help in preparing an application
The Council’s policies in relation to how it will consider applications for listed building consent, and for other applications that might affect listed buildings can be found in the Local Plan, and choosing the Framework section.
The Planning Portal, also contains general advice on listed buildings.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s website contains a complete version of the “Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment” in the Planning Policy Guidance section, which is the national planning policy on listed buildings and conservation areas. http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1144045
Name and Job Title of Berwick Council contact Further advice on listed buildings can be obtained from Annette Reeves, Conservation Officer on (01289) 301847, or from the Duty Planner on (01289) 301871
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