18 March 2010The Council through the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 controls all works to listed buildings. The listing of buildings recognises their special architectural or historic interest and is designed to protect buildings for future generations. Even relatively minor works, such as painting, may affect the character of a listed building so advisable to contact the Planning Team for further advice.
The fact that a building is listed does not necessarily mean that it must be preserved intact for all time. The main purpose of listing is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect its character and interest of the building and that the case for preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.
For more information on Listed Buildings view English Heritage's web site.
More information on the listing of buildings is available from this website.
What part of the building is listed?
Buildings are listed in their entirety. There is no such thing as just a listed façade or interior. But some parts of a listed building (interior as well as exterior) may be more important than others and this could be significant if you are thinking of applying for listed building consent for partial demolition or alteration.
In addition, any object or structure fixed to a listed building is treated as part of the building. Also any object or structure included within the curtilage of the building, which, although not fixed to the buildings, forms part of the land, and has done so since before 1 July 1948 is included in the listing.
For more information about listed buildings and what listing means, please contact the Call Centre on 01732 227000 or email policy.environment@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
If you want advice about alterations to a listed building, please contact the Planning Team.
