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Home Page > Environment and Planning > Listed Buildings
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Listed Buildings

 

Introduction

 

Melton Borough has a rich and diverse architectural heritage. Both the urban and rural areas contain a variety of historic buildings which contribute significantly to the environment and are a precious and finite asset.

 

Link to UK Government Resource website – http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/

 

Listed Buildings and the control of their development is carried out as part of the Conservation and Development Control prosesses, which are part of the Councils Regulatory Services Team, which includes Development Control, Building Control, Environmental Health, Planning Enforcement, Licensing and Conservation. A guide to the work of the Regulatory Services Team can be downloaded here.

 

What is a listed Building?

 

A listed building is one which is included on the statutory list of buildings of special architectural interest which has been compiled by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, through its advisors English Heritage. Being listed gives a building prestige value and acknowledges that it is special and part of our national heritage which must be protected. The lists include a wide variety of structures from country houses, castles and churches to telephone kiosks, milestones and village pumps.

 

Link to EH website – http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

 

Why is a building listed?

 

A building may be considered of special interest for a variety of reasons including age, architectural merit, rarity, group value or historical connections.

 

Buildings included on the list have statutory protection against demolitions or alterations which would adversely affect their character. Listing is not meant to prevent change to a building. Its long-term interests are often best served by putting it to suitable use. Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is carefully considered separately from the merits of any development proposals and before any alterations, either external or internal are agreed.

 

The older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed. Generally all buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most built between 1700 and 1840 with most original features intact. After that date, the criteria become tighter with time, so that post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed.

 

The grades

 

Listed buildings are classified in grades to show their relative architectural or historic importance:

 

• Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest (approximately 2% of listed buildings)

 

• Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest (approximately 4%   of listed buildings)

 

• Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them

 

What is the extent of listing ?

 

Buildings are listed in their entirety; all internal and external features are included. In addition, any object or structure affixed to the building or freestanding items within its curtilage are also covered by the listing.

 

How do I find out if a building is listed?

 

Within Melton Borough there are a total of 703 listed buildings of which 26 are Grade I, 64 grade II* and 613 grade II. A list of these buildings, by parish, can be downloaded by clicking on the town or parish name in the following list.

 

Melton Mowbray, Ab Kettleby, Asfordby, Vale of Belvoir, Bottesford, Broughton & Old Dalby, Buckminster, Burton & Dalby, Clawson Hose & Harby, Croxton Kerrial, Eaton, Freeby, Frisby, Gaddesby, Garthorpe, Grimston, Hoby with Rotherby, Knossington, Redmile, Scalford, Somerby, Sproxton, Stathern, Twyford and Thorpe, Waltham, Wymondham

 

An easy way of finding the schedule and details of Listed Buildings, is to search using either the English Heritage website or a similar website such as the British Listed Buildings website. 

 

Owners and occupiers of listed buildings are notified when a building first becomes listed. Prospective purchasers will be informed in their pre contract local land charge.

 

Maintenance and Repair of listed buildings

 

All buildings require repair at some time and constant maintenance. Small 'like for like' repairs do not normally need consent, however it is essential to discuss such work with the Conservation Team before commencing.

 

There is a strong presumption in favour of repair rather than replacement, to retain as much of the original fabric as possible. This would apply to structural timbers, doors, windows and so on, and repair can often mean financial savings.

 

Owners of listed buildings have a responsibility to maintain their buildings in good order. If a listed building becomes dilapidated the Borough Council is empowered to take action against the owner.

 

When is listed building consent required?

 

Consent is required from the Borough Council for any proposals to demolish a listed building, or any part of it, or to make any alterations which would affect its character. For example works to modify a window, demolish an outhouse or alter interior features would all require consent. General maintenance and repairs that match exactly may not need consent but it always advisable to check with the Council beforehand.

 

Applications for listed building consent should be made on forms which are available from the Borough Council or can be downloaded from the link below. Information on how to complete the forms and what accompanying information is necessary is provided with the forms. Applications can also be submitted electronically using the Council’s website . No fee is involved. Additionally some works to listed buildings may also require planning and/or building regulations approval.

 

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS AN OFFENCE TO CARRY OUT ANY WORKS TO A LISTED BUILDING THAT HAS NOT BEEN AUTHORISED. The Courts may impose heavy penalties and it may be necessary to rectify any changes made to a listed building without the necessary consents.

 

Forms on which to make an application can be downloaded here: application forms and guidance notes to assist their completion

 

Historic Building Grants

 

The Borough Council expect the owners or occupiers of listed buildings to respect and care for them but is aware that the cost of maintaining such buildings can be a considerable burden. The Council therefore offers discretionary grants towards the repair and maintenance of them to help retain their traditional character and appearance. Details are available from the Conservation Officer.

 

Leicestershire County Council also offer historic building grants under the Shire Grant Scheme. An application form for grant aid can be obtained from Leicestershire County Council. A guidance note on listed buildings is available and can be accessed from the link below.

 

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

 

In addition to compiling lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, the Secretary of State is also responsible for compiling a schedule of ancient monuments under the Ancient Monumentsand Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended). Occasionally a building is both scheduled and listed. In those cases the ancient monuments legislation takes precedence and the listed building legislation.

 

Leaflets

  • Guide to Listed Buildings
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