A listed building is either a building or structure that has been included on a register of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Within High Peak the register includes structures such as stone walls, bollards and telephone boxes through to the internationally recognised Crescent complex in Buxton. Listed Buildings are graded I, II* or II in recognition of their relative importance as follows:
How many buildings within the Borough are listed and what grades are these?
There are 398 listed buildings or structures within the Borough, of these, 385 are Grade II, 12 are Grade II* and only 1 is Grade I.
How can I find out if a building is listed?
Please contact the Conservation Officer to find out if a building is listed. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
What is the extent of the listing?
The listing of a building places protection not only on the building, but also on any object or structure fixed to the building and any object or structure within its curtilage which forms part of the land and has done so since before 1 July 1948. If you are unsure if your building is listed then please contact the Council’s Conservation Officer for clarification. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
Who is responsible for listing buildings?
English Heritage (External website**) is responsible for compiling the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.
What are the criteria used when considering buildings listing?
English Heritage select buildings for listing with great care. They have published a series of Selection Guides for designating buildings (External website**). These are detailed documents explaining some of the things they look for when assessing cases for listing today.
How can I get a building listed?
Anyone can apply for a building to be listed. To have a building considered, write to English Heritage at:
Heritage Protection Operations Department
English Heritage
Room 202
23 Savile Row
London
W1S 2ET
The application should be supported by as much information as possible, including:
The more information that is supplied, the quicker a listing application can be dealt with.
How long will it take to get a building listed?
Currently it takes English Heritage around 6 months to deal with routine listing applications, although in urgent cases decisions can be made much more quickly. Please contact English Heritage (External website**) for further information on their listing programme.
Will I be consulted if my building is put forward for listing?
Yes. From April 2005 owners will be consulted on applications to list their buildings and representations will be taken into account before a decision is reached.
Applications for de-listing should be made to English Heritage in the same way as listing applications.
What consents do I need to apply for if I want to undertake any works to my building?
If you wish to demolish a listed building or, to alter or, extend it in a way that effects its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, inside or out, you must apply for listed building consent. Your first step should be to contact the Council before you make the application. We will tell you whether your proposals are likely to be acceptable. Your application will need to include enough information to show clearly what you intend to do, with detailed drawings and photographs. There is no fee for this application.
Will I also need planning permission?
If your proposals involve external alterations or extensions then you may also require planning permission for the works. You are advised to contact the Council's Development Control Section to discuss the extent of the works.
What should I do if I notice unauthorised work being carried out to a listed building?
If you are concerned that unauthorised works are being carried out to a listed building then you should contact the Council’s Development Control Section. Email customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk or call our Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
Can the Council force owners to carry out works to a listed building?
In extreme circumstances if a listed property is being neglected and is badly in need of repair the Council can consider serving an Urgent Works Notice or a Repairs Notice on the owner.
What happens if I undertake unauthorised works to a listed building?
Under section 9 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, it is a criminal offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without consent.
What are the Council’s policies for listed buildings?
The High Peak Local Plan contains policies for alterations, extensions and demolition of listed buildings. Please click on the following link to view a copy of Chapter 5 of the High Peak Local Plan Adopted March 2005.
What are the national guidelines and policy for listed buildings?
Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment (External website**) sets out the Government policy on planning issues and offers guidance to local authorities and others on the operation of the planning system
Are there any grants available for repairs to listed buildings?
The Council currently operates 4 area based grant schemes. These are centred on conservation areas in the following town centres: New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Glossop and Buxton (Higher Buxton and Bridge Street). If you own a listed property within one of these areas grants may be available towards repairing and restoring your building. Further sources of funding are listed on the Heritage Funding directory. (External website**)
What is the buildings at risk register?
English Heritage publish a national register that contains listed buildings or structures known to be ‘at risk' through neglect and decay. For further information on the national register please visit the English Heritage (External website**) web site. Derbyshire County Council also maintain a County register that is available to view on the Derbyshire Historic Buildings web site. (External website**)
Can the Council recommend any specialist contractors, consultants or, suppliers of traditional craft and materials?
Derbyshire County Council maintains a list of suitable suppliers of materials, local crafts people and specialist advisers. This is available to view on the Derbyshire Historic Buildings web site. (External website**)
What other web sites can I look at that contain useful information and guidance on listed buildings?
There are various national organisations providing design advice and guidance. The following sites contain further information on listed buildings and heritage issues.
Society for the protection of Ancient Buildings (External website**)
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings is involved in all aspects of the survival of buildings that are old and interesting. It is the largest, oldest and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.
English Heritage (External website**)
English Heritage exists to protect and promote England’s historic environment. They also publish a wide variety of guidance material on the care, restoration and development of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes.
Victorian Society (External website**)
The Victorian Society is the national society responsible for the study and protection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture and other arts. It was founded in 1958 to fight the then widespread ignorance of nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture.
Georgian Group (External website**)
The Georgian Group is the national charity dedicated to preserving Georgian buildings and gardens and exists to protect and preserve Georgian buildings, monuments and landscapes.
Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (External website**)
The aim of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust is to identify neglected or abandoned historic buildings in or around the county in danger of decay or demolition, and to work for their preservation and modernisation without damage to their essential character.
Historic Towns Forum (External website**)
The Historic Towns Forum explores the issues impacting on historic towns, offering support and guidance on conservation area management, traffic and visitor management, urban regeneration and design, and other planning issues. The Council is a full member of the HTF.
Heritage Gateway (External website**)
This sites gives you online access to historic environment resources which allows you to research local and national records.
Historic Environment Local Management (External website**)
Established in 2004, Historic Environment Local Management is a partnership project led by English Heritage and supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs. The aim of the project is to share best practice and build capacity and confidence in those dealing with the historic environment. HELM provides and funds written information and training in a number of ways.
Heritage Funding Directory (External website**)
This provides a comprehensive guide to sources of funding for anyone seeking to undertake heritage projects.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.