Listed
buildings
Newham is host to a significant
number of listed buildings. These are buildings that are judged to
be of special architectural or historic interest.
Carrying out unauthorised work to a listed building is a criminal
offence punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the local
council can require you to put the building back as it was. Most
works to a listed building require Listed Building Consent. If you
are in any doubt contact the duty planning officer on Tel: 020 8430
2000 prior to carrying out any works.
Newham also has a
local list. These are buildings that do not meet the criteria
for inclusion on the national list but are nevertheless important
in the local context.
What is a listed building?
Listed buildings are buildings or structures that are judged to
be of special architectural or historic interest. They are included
on the Statutory Register of Buildings of Architectural or Historic
Buildings, drawn up by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
Once listed, buildings become subject to special planning
controls.
What do the different grades
mean?
Listed buildings are classified in three grades to indicate
their relative importance - grade I, grade II* and grade II.
Grade I: These are buildings of exceptional interest (only about
1.4% of listed buildings in England are grade I). Newham has 4
grade I buildings.
Grade II*: These are particularly important buildings of more
than special interest (about 4% of listed buildings in
England).
Grade II: These are buildings of special interest, which warrant
every effort to preserve them. They represent approximately 95% of
all listed buildings in England.
What are the criteria for
listing?
Buildings are judged according to a set of national
criteria:
Architectural interest: The list is meant to include all
buildings which are of importance to the nation for the interest of
their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship. Important
examples of particular building types, and buildings displaying
technical innovation or virtuosity in building methods and
techniques or significant internal layout plan forms, are included
in the list.
Historical interest: this includes buildings which
represent important aspects of the nation's social, economic,
cultural, technological or military history.
Close historical associations with nationally important
people or events.
Group value, especially where buildings comprise together
an important architectural or historical unity or a fine example
off town planning (e.g. squares, terraces or model villages).
The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of
its kind, the more likely it is to have historic importance and be
listed. The selection criteria for more recent buildings are more
stringent.
How is a building
listed?
Anyone can make a request for a building to be considered for
listing. You will need to write to English Heritage at:
Heritage Protection
South Territory
English Heritage
1 Waterhouse Square
138-142 Holborn
London, EC1N 2ST
The application should be supported by as much information as
possible, including:
1. The address of the building
2. The reasons why you believe it may merit listing
3. Clear original external and internal photos
4. The name and contact details of the owner
5. A location map
What are the effects of
listing?
You will need consent from the Council to demolish a listed
building and for any alteration or extension that affects its
character as a building of special architectural or historic
interest. The listing applies to the whole of building, both
internal and external, and any curtilage structures such as
outbuildings and boundary walls. The need for listed building
consent is different from planning permission but the process is
very similar.
Can I undertake works to a
listed building?
Regular maintenance and 'like for like' repairs which match the
original work in every way do not require consent.
Listed Building Consent is needed if the repairs include removal
of historic material or changes to the building's character. For
example, internal alterations that include removal of historic
doors, fireplaces or plasterwork or replacement of external doors
or windows would require consent. However, works such as repainting
or redecoration would not normally need consent.
You can contact the duty planner on Tel: 020 8430 2000, if you
are unsure whether you need permission or for more advice on what
type of work would require Listed Building Consent.
How do I apply for
consent?
You will need to fill in a Listed Building Consent application
form or apply online via the Planning
Portal website; the Listed Building Consent process is very
similar to the planning process, although more detailed information
regarding the existing features of the Listed Building and how they
are affected by any proposed works, is required.
What are the policies that
apply to listed buildings?
Generally, Newham seeks to preserve listed buildings, their
settings and any features of architectural or historic interest.
Newham would not normally approve an application to demolish a
listed building, allow alterations that would involve the loss of
historic parts of the building, obscure the original plan form,
layout or structural integrity, or otherwise diminish the historic
value of listed buildings. Should you wish to carry out works to a
listed building it is vital to consult a suitably qualified
professional with experience of dealing with historic buildings.
You should also employ an experienced, reputable building
contractor.
We also aim to keep listed buildings in their original use, or
if this use no longer exists, in another use that causes least harm
to the building. Many buildings can sustain some sensitive
alterations or extensions to accommodate continuing or new uses.
But listed buildings vary greatly in the extent to which they can
be changed without harm to their special architectural or historic
interest.
Newham's policies relating to listed buildings can be found in
the Unitary Development Plan. Detailed guidance is also included in
the Government's Planning Policy Statement 5 - Planning for the
Historic Environment, and the accompanying guidance note.
For grade I and II* buildings Newham works closely with English
Heritage in deciding whether Listed Building Consent should be
granted. The Council cannot give itself consent to work on its own
listed buildings and these applications are considered by the
Government Office for London.
What is a Building at Risk?
In certain cases of deliberate or long term neglect, or vacancy,
listed buildings can be placed on the Register of Buildings at
Risk, compiled by English Heritage.
We have legal powers to serve an urgent works notice or repairs
notice on a listed building owner, requiring repair works to be
carried out to prevent further decay. The notice will specify the
works, which we consider reasonably necessary for the preservation
of the building.
An urgent works notice is restricted to emergency repairs only -
for example works to keep a building wind and weather-proof and
safe from collapse. A repairs notice is not restricted to urgent
works and may include works to preserve architectural details but
can not be used to restore lost features.
In extreme cases where building owners have not taken reasonable
steps to preserve a listed building, we can do the work at the
owner's cost or compulsorily purchase a building at risk.