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Many villages in the Stratford-on-Avon District are justifiably renowned for their beauty and much of the attraction for visitors is the wealth of historic buildings and sites. Indeed, the district boasts over 3,300 listed buildings or structures.
It is a privilege to own, live or work in a listed property but with this comes responsibility.
What is a Listed Building?
It is a building or structure that the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport considers to be of special architectural or historic interest. Listing provides legal protection from demolition and alterations, which would destroy historic features or affect its character.
The whole of a building is listed - exterior and interior - together with anything attached to the exterior (such as railings), as are any detached outbuildings, walls or other structures built before 1 July 1948 within the curtilage, or grounds, of the building. Alterations and additions carried out after the date of listing are also included.
Listed Buildings are graded to show their importance. However, the legal protection is the same and applies to the whole building, including the interior, in every grade.
Grade I Those of "exceptional interest"
Grade II* "particularly important buildings of more than special interest"
Grade II "of special interest"
Nationally, of the 370,000 or so list entries currently protected by listing, 92% are Grade II.
How do I find out if a building is listed?
The Conservation team hold a copy of the Register of Buildings and Structures of special Architectural and Historic Interest. Contact Conservation on 01789 260304 to check whether the building or structure is listed in its own right or "curtilage listed".
The description sometimes highlights important internal features or famous associations; a copy can be made available to you from Conservation for a small fee. Please note that the description is only used for identification purposes. It has no legal significance and does not list all noteworthy features.
If you are considering or have recently purchased a property, the listing should be entered in the local Land Charge Register.
What do you mean by curtilage listing?
The curtilage is the land within which the building is set, which belongs (or, in some cases, once belonged) and is ancillary to it. For example, outbuildings previously belonging to a listed farmhouse that have been converted to separate dwellings could still be curtilage listed. It is essential that you check with Conservation as you may require Listed Building Consent for alterations.
Who should I talk to about listing (or de-listing) a building?
As of April 1, 2005, English Heritage took over responsibility for the administration of the listing system from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
You can find out more about the process and how to apply to have a building listed (or appeal against its listing) by clicking on the links on the right.
Planning Applications
Can I carry out any works to a listed building?
You must apply for Listed Building Consent before making any physical alterations either inside or outside the property. This may include even what seems to be relatively minor alterations or redecoration, such as removal of plasterwork or, in cases where the historic fabric or character may be affected, the renewal of internal fittings such as kitchens, bathroom suites and central heating systems.
Please always check with Conservation well in advance of starting any work for advice. An officer may be able to provide informal advice on proposed alterations before you submit an application.
There is no fee for Listed Building Consent; however, you may also require Planning Permission and possibly Building Regulations.
Contact the Planning department on 01789 260304 if you are considering erecting, altering or demolishing a wall or fence as permission may be required.
It is a criminal offence to carry out work without permission. Unauthorised works can lead to the prosecution of the owner and/or the person carrying out the works. Additionally, an enforcement notice can be served requiring the correction of unauthorised works.
It's hard to find specialists for this kind of work. Can you recommend anyone?
Stratford-on-Avon District Council is unable to recommend any one supplier, contrator or designer. However, we do have some information on file relating to appropriate materials. Please contact Conservation or see 'further information' below for useful addresses.
What about repairs and maintenance?
Routine maintenance and repairs, will not normally require Listed Building Consent if they are done on a strict like-for-like basis. However, this is not always straightforward, for example, where previous inappropriate repairs have been carried out. Please note that the replacement of single glazed windows with double glazed always requires consent and is often unacceptable. However it is normally possible to fit secondary glazing without compromising the historic fabric and in these cases, consent is not required.
Please do check with the Conservation department if there is a possibility that the fabric of the building could be affected.
Can I get any financial help?
Unfortunately grants are no longer available from this local authority. However, if works require and have received Listed Building Consent, and the listed building is a dwelling, you could qualify for a reduced or zero rate. Contact HM Revenue and Customs for information on VAT relief.
Further Information
English Heritage - Advice for Owners of Listed Buildings
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Images of England - A photographic record of England's listed buildings.
The Victorian Society
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B)
Building Conservation - Products and suppliers
For further information please contact the Heritage and Design Team on 01789 260304 or by email at planning@stratford-dc.gov.uk, or by fax on 01789 260306.
Downloads:
PPS5 Planning for the Historic Environment (330KB PDF)
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External links:
Planning Portal
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HM Revenue and Customs
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English Heritage - Conserving Historic Places
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Dept for Culture, Media and Sport
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The Georgian Group
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The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
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Building Conservation Products and Suppliers
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Planning Application Forms
See also:
Download 1APP Forms
Planning & Building news and frequently asked questions
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