Listed Buildings are buildings and structures defined by
the Secretary of State as being of “special architectural or
historic interest”. They include buildings and structures that are
deemed to be of importance on a national scale. However, not
all listed buildings are grand or attractive – sometimes
architectural or historic significance may take precedence over
visual qualities, and even fairly small structures such as
milestones and water pumps may be listed.
Listed building grades
There are 3 grades of listing:
- Grade I – of exceptional interest
- Grade II* (commonly referred to as “grade
two-star”) - of particular importance and containing outstanding
features.
- Grade II – of special interest which warrants
every effort to preserve them.
Criteria for listing a building
The main criteria used for selecting buildings
for listing are:
- architectural interest: all buildings
which are nationally important for the interest of their
architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also important
examples of particular building types and techniques, and
significant plan forms
- historic interest: this includes
buildings which illustrate important aspects of the nation's
social, economic, cultural or military history.
- close historical association: with
nationally important buildings or events.
- group value: especially where
buildings comprise an important architectural or historic unity or
are a fine example of planning (such as squares, terraces and model
villages).
Generally the following types of buildings
qualify for listing:
- All buildings before 1700 which survive in anything like their
original condition.
- Most buildings between 1700 and 1840, though selection is
necessary
- Buildings between 1840 and 1914 of definite quality and
character (including principal works of principal architects)
- Important post-war buildings more than thirty years old and
selected buildings of high quality between 1914 and 1939.
Which buildings in Bassetlaw are listed?
There are over 1000 listed buildings in Bassetlaw. There is a
rich variety of buildings including churches, houses, barns,
bridges and dovecotes. You can search for listed buildings on the
National Heritage List for
England.
It is important to remember that any building or structure
attached to a listed building or which stands within its grounds
and has done so since 1st July 1948 may also be listed by virtue of
Section 1 (5) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation
Areas) Act 1990.
Listed buildings and the law
Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and
Conservation Areas) Act 1990 it is a criminal offence to carry out
works to a listed building without first obtaining Listed Building
Consent. Doing so can lead to heavy financial penalties and
even a possible prison sentence. See Listed Building
Consent.
Ecclesiastical exemption
Alterations to listed churches and chapels
of the six denominations operating an acceptable internal system of
control are exempt from the need for Listed Building Consent
provided that the building remains in use as a place of worship.
The exempt denominations include:
- the Church of England
- the Church in Wales
- the Methodists
- the Roman Catholics
- the United Reformed and those Baptist churches where the
Baptist Union acts in the capacity of trustee.
However, please note that for any
significant external alterations to these buildings, planning
permission is still required.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of historic buildings will
preserve their integrity and their value. Owners of listed
buildings (including curtilage structures) should ensure that their
property is kept in good condition and not fall into
disrepair. Failure to do so can lead to the local authority
using enforcement powers to ensure that a building is
repaired. There is also the power for a building to be
Compulsory Purchased by the local authority or the Secretary of
State. It is therefore recommended that owners and occupiers
seek professional advice if in any doubt about how best to preserve
such buildings.
For further information, including design
please read
Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Other Heritage Assets -
January 2013.
Related links
Last Updated - 22/05/2013