Historic buildings and conservation areas

Introduction

The aims and sphere of work of this service area are the preservation and enhancement of the historic built environment. The legislative framework for the work is the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and Planning Policy Guidance 15 "Planning and the Historic Environment - 1994".

Listed Buildings

There are approximately 500,000 Listed Buildings in England making up only about 2% of the total building stock, so they are a finite number in the larger scheme of things. Herefordshire has around 6,000 Listed Buildings. According to an English Heritage national pilot survey of the condition of Listed Buildings it is estimated that 7% are 'At Risk' and 14% are 'Vulnerable'. The categories are based upon state of repair and whether a building is occupied or not.

There are three categories of grading. Grades I, II* and II based upon their uniqueness or significance in relative terms. Buildings in the Grade I category make up around 2% of the total and II* around 5%, making the majority Grade II. The level of legislative protection afforded to each category is the same. The Lists of buildings are drawn up by Central Government Inspectors though requests for buildings to be 'spot listed' by local authorities or individuals can be made. The Lists are kept up to date on a computer database linked to a geographical information system (GIS) mapping tool at the Council Offices.

Grants

Herefordshire Council has a limited grant fund to contribute towards the cost of repairs to Listed Buildings within the County. The criteria for eligibility are: -

• the building or structure must be listed,
• the work constitutes structural repairs to the building fabric (i.e. not routine maintenance)
• 'Improvements' to kitchens, bathrooms, rewiring etc, are not eligible.

Conservation Areas

There are currently 64 Conservation Areas in Herefordshire County, which vary in character and size from tiny hamlets to villages to country house estates, the market towns, and the historic core of Hereford City.

What is a Conservation Area? The definition given in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 is a broad one :-

"areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance"

The 'special' interest of an area is due not only to the buildings but the interaction of the spaces around them, natural features, including trees and open spaces which together form distinctly recognisable areas of quality and interest. Once an area is designated the Council is under a duty to prepare proposals to ensure the preservation and enhancement of the area.

The principal effects of designation are :

• Consent must be obtained from the Council for the demolition of most buildings in the area.
• Six weeks' notice must be given to the Council before works are carried out to certain trees in the area.
• Special publicity must be given to planning applications for development in the area.
• In carrying out functions under the Planning Acts (in particular in determining planning applications etc.) the Council and the Secretary of State are required to take into account the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area.
• Permitted development rights (the various categories of development that are normally allowed without the need to apply for planning permission) are more restricted within the conservation area. In general terms these extra controls restrict the following:
  
  • various types of wall cladding
  • the insertion of dormer windows
  • the installation of satellite dishes on walls and roofs facing the highway
  • the installation of radio masts, antennae or radio equipment housing with a volume over two cubic metres.
  • the size of residential and industrial extensions, which may be carried out without the need for planning permission, is also reduced.

If your building is a Listed Building the normal controls of Listed Building Consent apply.

Last Updated: 10 September 07,
Review Date: 20 September 2005