Listed Buildings
These buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance as follows...
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 empowers the Secretary of State to compile lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.
These buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance as follows:
Grade I
Buildings of exceptional interest including buildings of national importance
Grade II*
Buildings of regional importance due to unusual or quality features
Grade II
Buildings of special interest, mainly of local importance, and with the majority of the structure unaltered.
There are over 336 Listed Buildings within the Borough. The majority of these are Grade II listed. There are three Grade I buildings (St Giles Church, South Mimms; Tyttenhanger House, Colney Heath; and the Church of St John the Baptist, Aldenham) and ten Grade II* buildings.
A copy of the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest within Hertsmere is available for inspection at the Civic Offices.
The Effect of Listing
Listed buildings are protected by law from any action which might result in their destruction, or harm to their architectural qualities and character.
The owner of such a building has it on trust for the future and is not free to alter or destroy it simply to meet immediate needs. Even such a seemingly small matter as altering a window or undertaking repairs which are not like-for-like would require Listed Building Consent.
Any alterations to the interior or exterior of a Listed Building are likely to require consent. These controls also apply to all other buildings and structures, including sheds, walls and railings within the boundary of the building and erected before July 1948, and all extensions to listed buildings, regardless of their dates of construction.
The procedure for applying for Listed Building Consent is very similar to that for obtaining planning permission. However, special application forms are provided and these should be submitted together with the relevant plans. No fee is required for Listed Building Applications.
Because of the special qualities of Listed Buildings it is important that careful attention is paid to proposed works. It is therefore advisable to employ an architect who specialises in such work to prepare the drawings and supervise workmanship.
The Council cannot recommend architects or builders, and would advise applicants to seek personal recommendations from other people who have had similar work carried out.
It is advisable to contact the Councils Conservation & Urban Design Officer to discuss your proposals before undertaking any design work and/or implementation of work.