Listed buildings

Buildings can be listed because of age, rarity, architectural merit, and method of construction. English Heritage occasionally selects a building because the building has played a part in the life of a famous person, or as the scene for an important event. An interesting group of buildings - such as a model village or a square - may also be listed.

The older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most built between 1700 and 1840. After that date, the criteria become tighter with time, so that post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed.

Buildings are graded as follows

• Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest

• Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest

• Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them

Within the Borough, there are currently 804 entries in the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest of which eleven buildings are listed as Grade I and fifty three are listed Grade II *

A wide variety of buildings are included in the list, from the grandest churches and country houses to the smallest cottage. Many listings reflect the manufacturing heritage of the Borough, with structures such as bridges, canal locks and incline planes.

All listed buildings are protected for both their internal and external character and Listed Building Consent must be obtained from the Council for any work that materially affects their character or appearance planning forms and notes. Please note that the 'affect on character' can include the setting of a listed building as well as the building itself.

Listing does not mean that a building cannot be altered or extended but any work done must be sympathetic to the character and appearance of the building and should avoid loss of original fabric. No fee is payable for a listed building application alone but works may also need a separate planning permission which does involve a fee. If an application is refused there is a right to appeal to the Secretary of State.

The legislation is complex and owners of Listed Buildings are urged to contact the Council's Conservation Officer for guidance or clarification, please telephone 01952 384189 or email Urban Form & Conservation


Buildings of Local Interest (Local List)

There are numerous buildings and features throughout the Borough which may not be of a listable quality, but nevertheless, are of significant value locally. These are identified as buildings of local interest.

These buildings do not enjoy any extra level of protection. However, the Council wants to ensure that they are retained and carefully restored wherever possible. Policy HE25 of the Wrekin Local Plan sets out how they should be considered in relation to development proposals.

The current list of buildings of local interest is available for inspection at Darby House. Contact the Conservation Officer for guidance on 01952 384189 or email Urban Form & Conservation