Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are buildings or structures that are considered to have special architectural, cultural or historical significance.

The listing of buildings in England and Wales was initiated by the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, and more recently by Part I of the Planning -Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act 1990 (Office of Public Sector Information). Transitional arrangements are also made in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Office of Public Sector Information).

A listed building is protected from alteration, extension or demolition without special permission being granted by the Council. The listed status also means that maintenance and repair of listed buildings is often mandatory.

Buildings constitute the majority of listed structures, but the listing also includes some statues, monuments and even milestones / mileposts.

Currently, there are 3 listed grades, in descending order:

  • Grade I: Exceptional interest
  • Grade II*: Particularly important interest
  • Grade II: Special interest

There are 457 listed buildings in Wyre (as of March 2006) as follows:

  • Grade I: 2
  • Grade II*: 6
  • Grade II: 449

These are designated and protected by policies ENV10 and ENV11 in the Wyre Borough Adopted Local Plan, and policies ENVT10 and ENVT11 in the Wyre Borough Local Plan 1st Deposit Draft.

Listed Building Consent Applications

Listed building consent is required for any works that affect the character of a listed building.

Before making a listed building consent application, it is important to understand the building, as any inappropriate decisions can destroy the character of the building.

Local planning authorities must 'have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building, or its setting, or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses'. In order to assist the Council in this, it is important that you include a 'statement of justification' with your application.

Any extensions must be subservient and sympathetic to the existing building in terms of design, materials, scale and proportions. It need not necessarily be of a traditional design as an appropriate modern design can help preserve the distinction between old and new. Unfortunately it will not always be possible to extend a listed building without having an adverse impact upon its character.

There are a number of considerations for listed building consent:

  • What is the original design of the building? If it is of a simple form, such as a double fronted cottage, a front or side extension could destroy its integrity.
  • Has the building been extended in the past? If so, it may not comfortably take further additions without the loss of its character.
  • Will it still be possible to read the building's original form if it is extended? If not, then it is unlikely that the works will be acceptable.
  • Will there be significant loss of historic fabric? If it includes the loss of internal or external walls, or roof timbers for example, it is unlikely to be acceptable.
  • Will the works be reversible? Any works must not preclude the ability to return the building back to its original form in the future.

Conservatories

With regard to conservatories, it may be possible to add a conservatory to a listed building, since visually light and permeable structures are often an acceptable approach to extending a listed building. However, UPVC is not considered to be an acceptable material for use on a listed building. They should be constructed from traditional materials such as timber or cast iron. In most cases, a contemporary approach would be preferable to a more traditional style conservatory.

Demolition

In case of demolition, there is a strong presumption in favour of retaining listed buildings, and a number of parties including English Heritage must be consulted in these cases of demolition.

If consent is given to demolish a listed building, the Royal Commission for Historical Monuments in England must be notified to determine whether they wish to record the building prior to demolition, and the building owner must give one month to allow this. Before making an application, please read a copy of the English Historic Towns Forum publication Making Better Applications for Listed Building Consent.

You are also advised to discuss your proposals with Wyre's Conservation Officer at the address below, before making a listed building consent application.

Getting a Building Listed or De-listed

The English Heritage will consider a request to review a listing.

However, this will only be done if the request is accompanied by new evidence relating to the architectural or historic interest of the building.

Evidence about a building's condition and cost of repairing, maintaining it or redevelopment plans will not be considered by English Heritage.

You do not need to be the owner of a building in order to get it listed or de-listed.

However, English Heritage will not consider a request for de-listing when:

  • There is a current application for listed building consent relating to the building
  • There is an appeal against refusal of consent
  • If any legal action is being taken by the council

Any request for a listing review should be accompanied by:

  • A justification for adding (or deleting) a building
  • Location plans and clear up-to-date photographs
  • Other historical information on the building

Planning Application for listed building consent for alterations, extension or demolition of a listed building

Please note.

There is no requirement to consult the owners before a building is listed. An inspector will contact the owner only if there is a specific threat.

There is no right of appeal against a listing, and no claims for loss of redevelopment opportunities.

  • Tel: 01253 891000
  • Fax: 01253 899000
  • Minicom: 01253 887636
  • Wyre Borough Council
    Civic Centre
    Breck Road
    Poulton-le-Fylde
    Lancashire
    FY6 7PU