Locally listed heritage assets

The borough of St Helens boasts a varied and unique built environment, based upon its history connected with the railways, mining, glass and other industries.

While many of these unique buildings and structures within the borough are recognised nationally (for example, listed buildings, scheduled monuments, registered historic parks and gardens and registered battlefields), there are many buildings and structures throughout the borough that are of local interest, but may not meet the criteria for statutory designation however merit local protection.

Officers are in the process of updating the 'List of Locally Important Buildings' SPD, which is over 12 years old to ensure the guidance is up to date and relevant to the current heritage policies within the Local Plan. Once adopted, the SPD will carry full weight as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

Alongside updating the current SPD, officers are also in the process of developing a list of buildings and structures of local interest, that will sit alongside the SPD as a 'living' document which will be updated on a regular basis. The purpose of this is to identify and highlight as many locally important buildings, structures, and sites as possible, and for them to be given the appropriate level of consideration in planning decisions.

Nominating a building

Any building or structure of some significant historical or architectural interest can potentially be added to the list, particularly if it can be shown that it contributes to the character of an area and is valued by local people.

We would be particularly interested to hear of buildings and structures which are:

• substantially unaltered and retain the majority of their original features
• of local architectural value and include design qualities typical of the local area
• surviving examples of buildings/structures illustrating local architectural history or design and buildings associated with local historic events, strong community or socio-economic development significance (e.g. schools), people, locally or nationally important architects, engineers or designers
• individual buildings or groups of buildings which contribute positively to the local area - for example, key landmark buildings, notable buildings on important routes into the area, which create a vista or contribute to the skyline.

Nominations can be made via the Locally Listed Heritage Asset Nomination form. Any nominations received will be assessed by a review panel in due course.

If you require any help in completing the Locally Listed Heritage Asset Nomination form, then please contact a member of the Development Plans team by telephone on 01744 676190, or by email at planningpolicy@sthelens.gov.uk.

Information for property owners

What are locally listed heritage assets?

Local heritage listing is a way for a community and the local authority to work together to identify heritage assets that are valued as distinctive elements of the local historic environment. The local heritage list currently being produced by the Council identifies those heritage assets that are not protected by statutory designations but warrant local protection.

The local heritage list identifies the location of buildings, structures and sites which are considered to warrant local protection and details what it is about the asset that is special. Their local interest could be related to the social and economic history of the area, individuals of local importance, settlement patterns or the age, design and style of buildings.

Inclusion on the local heritage list does not protect a building or structure from demolition or create any additional protection, unlike the 'statutory list'. It does however, raise awareness of architectural, historical, community and/or aesthetic value of the buildings, structure and sites and strengthens the case for the retention of the assets.

Why include a building on the local heritage list?

The local heritage list recognises the buildings and structures within an area that help form its character and history and which are not on the 'statutory list'. By identifying these buildings, structures and sites, the Council aims to encourage sympathetic and appropriate design for any extensions or other alterations/works that would require planning permission, to ensure that the character and appearance of the best examples of the various styles and types of buildings within the borough are retained, both for our enjoyment and education, and for the future.

Repairs, alterations and extensions

The inclusion of a building, structure or site on the local heritage list does not interfere with the building owner's ability to manage the property, and it does not normally place any additional planning constraints on the property apart from raising awareness of its significance and hopefully raising the profile of the selected buildings, structures and sites.

Inclusion on the local heritage list does not affect a building's 'Permitted Development Rights' and planning permission would only be required in the same circumstances as it would be for a building that is not on that list. Locally listed heritage assets are not protected in the same way as listed buildings, and thus special permission (such as listed building consent) is not needed for repairs, extensions or alterations. Inclusion of a building, structure or site on the local heritage list should not be confused with statutory listing.

If an extension is proposed, and requires planning permission, then the design will be considered during the planning process, to ensure a sympathetic and appropriate design is achieved, to protect the character and appearance of the building. The Council would also encourage the use of appropriate materials and would seek to ensure that any alterations and repairs are carried out in a sympathetic manner.

The Council's Development Control Team offer a pre-application advice service should you require any advice/guidance on the acceptability of proposed works. Further information is available on the Council's website (Your guide to planning & building Control - St Helens Borough Council) or by contacting the Development Control Team (email: planning@sthelens.gov.uk, Tel: 01744 676219).

How can I make my views known?

As part of the review process, prior to any buildings, structures and sites identified as being of local interest and importance, the Council have notified owners of these properties (where known) to gain their views on the inclusion of their properties on the local heritage list. Any comments received will be reported to the selection review panel and will be considered as part of the review process.

Comments can be made by either emailing the Development Plans team (planningpolicy@sthelens.gov.uk) or by writing to us at Development Plans, Development & Growth, Place Services, St Helens Borough Council, PO Box 512, St Helens, WA10 9JX.

Additionally, we would also be interested to in any historical information owners have relating to the building, structure or site. Any information owners may have on their property would be appreciated, particularly in relation to the date of construction, name of the architect/builder or notable past residents/owners.

The local heritage list will be a 'live' document and can be revised at any time, as circumstances dictate.

Further information can be found within the existing 'List of Locally Important Buildings' Supplementary Planning Document available on the Council's website (Supplementary Planning Document - St.Helens List of Locally Important Buildings (sthelens.gov.uk) however, please note that this document is in the process of being updated and will be subject to a public consultation in due course.