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.
The Borough Council retains copies of the statutory lists and
can advise you. The Schedule may be inspected at the Council
Offices during normal office hours (9am – 5pm Monday to
Friday).
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
]