Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings
The District's rich legacy of historic buildings is protected
through 'conservation areas' and a system of 'listing' by the
Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The Council has a small
budget which enables it to make grants towards the repair of listed
buildings. Also its own Environmental Improvement Schemes,
particularly in conservation areas, are a practical means of
encouraging the preservation and enhancement of its historic areas
and buildings
Conservation Areas
Conservation areas are areas of special character whose
qualities the Council aims to protect and enhance. There are
currently 19 conservation areas in the District, ranging from the
centres of villages such as Kinver, Brewood and Penkridge to the
lengths of the Shropshire Union and Staffs. and Worcs. Canals to
the historic parklands of Weston, Chillington, Enville and
Himley.
In conservation areas, consent is
needed before demolition can take place. The size of house
extensions that can be built without permission is smaller than
elsewhere, and 6 weeks notice of work to trees must be given. The
Council expects full planning applications to be submitted, showing
the entire impact of proposed development on the conservation
area.
When dealing with applications for
development in conservation areas the Council takes very special
care to make sure that the development conserves or enhances the
special character of the area. If you are carrying out
development to a building in a conservation area, or want to build
a new one, then you should use a qualified architect and discuss
your development with the Council’s Conservation Officer before you
submit it.
You may also wish to link to The
Planning Portal (see link)
Listed
Buildings
Listed buildings are those of
particular merit, for reason of their architectural quality
or because of their social or economic history or association with
well known characters or events, or because of they have a group
value with other listed buildings are worth preserving for future
generations. The Schedule of Listed Buildings is compiled and
amended by English Heritage and can be inspected at the Council
offices.
The majority of the 856 listed buildings in the District are
Grade II, being of special interest and worthy of preservation of
which about 62 are distinguished further as Grade II*. 20 are of
the highest grade (Grade 1) signifying their importance as
Buildings of Outstanding interest.
Some of the buildings which appear
in the picture gallery on the website are examples of the
District’s listed buildings.
Details of Grade I and II* Listed
Buildings considered to be "At Risk" by English Heritage can be
accessed by linking to the English Heritage website (see link),
clicking on Search the Buildings At Risk Register and then
choosing South Staffordshire from the District or London
Borough dropdown menu.
Works to Listed Buildings
Before demolishing or altering any part of a Listed Building in any
way that affects its character, Listed Building Consent is required
from the Council, even if planning permission is not
required.
This may include work to the inside of the building, anything
fitted to it, outbuildings, walls or other site features.
Application for Listed Building consent is made
on special forms available from the Council or can be downloaded
from the website. The fact that the building is listed may justify
relaxing some of the Building Regulations. Having to ask for
permission to make even small changes to a building does not mean
that no changes are allowed. The Council wants to make sure that
new work fits in with the old, whether it is a large extension or a
new window. If you are carrying out development to a listed
building, or want to build next to one, then you should use a
qualified architect and discuss your development with the Council’s
Conservation Officer before you submit it.
A Listed Building Application is handled like a Planning
Application, but there are differences in the way the application
is considered and advertised. No fee is payable for an application
for Listed Building consent.
Links
