Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

119 Development Affecting Listed Buildings

There is a general presumption in favour of the preservation of listed buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Proposals for the demolition or replacement of a listed buildings will not be permitted without the strongest justification, taking into account:

  • the condition of the building, the cost of repairing and maintaining it in relation to its importance and to the value derived from its current use;
  • whether genuine efforts have been made without success to continue the present use or to find compatible alternative uses for the building;
  • the merits of alternative proposals for the site, such as where proposed works would bring substantial benefits to the community.

The following issues will be taken into account in considering all applications for listed building consent:

  • the importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and rarity in both national and local terms;
  • the particular physical features of the building which justify its inclusion in the list;
  • the building’s setting and its contribution to the local scene; and
  • the extent to which the proposed works would bring substantial benefits for the community.

Changes of use and the need for them must be compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the listed building.

The following measures will be used, where appropriate, to ensure the retention of listed buildings:

  • advice and financial assistance to be given on the repair and maintenance of listed buildings;
  • the serving of a Repairs Notice under section 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990;
  • the execution of works considered urgently necessary for the preservation of a listed building under section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990;
  • the compulsory acquisition of a listed building in need of repair under Section 47 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990;
  • in exceptional circumstances, the granting of permission for a non-conforming use of a listed building provided it can be clearly demonstrated that it would be the only viable means of securing the retention of the building; and
  • the sensitive application of building regulations where normal building methods and standards would not result in the preservation and/or enhancement of the special character of a listed building (unless this would be prejudicial to public safety).

Consent to alter or extend listed buildings will only be granted where it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that the proposal will be carried out in a manner appropriate to the scale, proportion and external and internal appearance or historic character of the building to which it relates. Developers may be required to submit information in the form of an impact assessment of the development before the planning application is determined.

Every effort will be made to ensure that any new development liable to affect the character of an adjacent listed building will be of such a scale and appearance, and will make use of such materials, as will retain the character and setting of the listed building.

In considering applications for listed building consent, the treatment of the building’s interior will be given particular consideration. Proposals involving the loss of internal architectural features of the building or works adversely affecting its special character and interest will be resisted. As such the sub-division of historically and architecturally important rooms and gardens should be avoided.

The conversion of listed farm buildings (in particular timber framed barns) to residential use will not be permitted unless it can be satisfactorily demonstrated that the conversion will not adversely affect the character and appearance of the building.

In certain circumstances a condition may be attached to a listed building consent requiring a suitable programme for the recording of features that would either be destroyed or could be revealed during the course of the work.

The Council will consider the use of listed building enforcement action where a breach of listed building control has been identified and it is considered that work of demolition, alterations or extension results in harm to the character of a building which is of special architectural or historic interest.

Reference should also be made to the general advice provided in Supplementary Planning Guidance ‘Development in Conservation Areas or Affecting Listed Buildings’.

For more information please see the Local Plan