Explanation DQ7

What is a Listed Building?

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Buildings which are of special architectural or historic interest are included in a statutory list published by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Listed Buildings are vitally important to the cultural heritage of Knowsley and, once lost, cannot be replaced. Inclusion in the list means that consent is required for the demolition of a building or for any works of alteration or extension, either internal or external which would affect its special interest. It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a Listed Building without consent from the Council.

Demolition of Listed Buildings

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Every effort should be made to preserve Listed Buildings, if necessary by providing temporary support or shelter, before demolition is considered. If an owner does consider, as a last resort, that demolition is unavoidable, they must apply for Listed Building Consent for the works, and submit a full justification against the following criteria:

•  The importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and its contribution to the local scene;

•  The condition of the building and the cost of repairing and maintaining it in relation to its importance;

•  The adequacy of efforts made to retain the building in use; and

•  The merits of alternative proposals for the site.

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In the unusual circumstance that consent is granted for demolition, conditions may be imposed to ensure the recording of the building and to ensure a contract has been let for the full implementation of any redevelopment proposals submitted in support of the application for demolition.

Extensions, alterations, or change of use affecting Listed Buildings

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The best way of securing the future of Listed Buildings is to keep them in active use. This will often necessitate some degree of adaptation. Judging the best use requires balancing the economic viability of possible uses against the effect that any physical changes would have on the special architectural or historic interest of the building.

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It is essential that all works which affect a Listed Building are of a form, scale, and detailing which would preserve the character of the building. Internal layouts, floor plans and original features should be retained where they are important to this character. Applications affecting Listed Buildings (either for building works or change of use) should include full details of any physical changes that are necessary, including design (both internal and external), materials and proposed landscaping.

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Alterations to historic buildings should meet the needs of disabled people, although care will need to be taken to ensure that necessary alterations do not detract from the character or special interest of the Listed Building.

Development affecting the setting of Listed Buildings

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New buildings within the curtilage of, or close to, a Listed Building, should preserve the setting and views of the building having regard to factors such as the scale, massing, height, and roofscape of the Listed Building, and visual impact on its grounds, gardens and landscaping.

Enforcement powers available to secure the repair of Listed Buildings

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The Council has powers to require owners to carry out urgent works to preserve Listed Buildings, and to execute such works itself if necessary and charge the owner. These powers will be used if necessary. The Council also has powers to compulsorily purchase buildings from owners to secure their longer-term repair.

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