Have your say on important buildings

A variety of historically important or interesting buildings from across the borough have been nominated to go on to the council's List of Locally Important Buildings.

More than 200 nominations were made by the public of buildings which were felt to be locally important, so thank you to all who contributed.

A survey of the borough and further nominations from groups such as local museums and societies resulted in 707 individual properties on 380 different sites being included onto the draft list.

The draft list is now out for public consultation and the council will be formally writing to the owners/occupiers of all the properties to advise them of the nomination.

Locally listed buildings are those buildings or structures of local architectural or historic interest which contribute to a streetscape or rural landscape; they may also be of interest because of a historic connection or have other local community significance.

Working with the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust the council assessed each building or structure to see if it was suitable for inclusion.

The List will provide identified buildings and structures with additional protection through the planning process, but being on the List of Locally Important Buildings does not mean it is subject to the same statutory controls as if it were a Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II listed building.  However, there will be a presumption against the demolition and redevelopment of buildings on the List as well as providing an additional basis for the council to reject poorly designed extensions or alterations. 

The draft List includes a range of buildings, monuments and statues.  The full draft list  is available for download - please note that it is a large document and will take some time to download.  It can also be seen at any of the council's three offices, at local libraries and at Aldenham Parish Council offices in Radlett.

If you would like to comment there will be a six week consultation period starting from 1 March 2008. You can email us at local.plan@hertsmere.gov.uk or write to:

List of Locally Important Buildings
Planning
Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA

Any representations received will be considered by council officers and reported back to the Executive, including any proposed changes to the List, prior to its adoption later in 2008.