Listed Buildings

There are approximately 2,388 Listed Buildings and 61 Conservation Areas in the District.

The historic buildings of Chester District are a unique environmental asset. The rich variety of types, styles, functions and ages helps to form a distinctive identity for our towns and villages, as well as providing irreplaceable historic evidence. Important buildings and structures are "listed" in recognition of their architectural and historic merit, ensuring that this precious and finite resource is protected for the future.

Listed Buildings Online

Listed building descriptions are available on the English Heritage website. This information was accessible by local authorities only, but is now accessible to commercial organisations – architects, planners, engineers, etc – for whom access to listed building information is essential.

For login in details you will need to register through the e-mail address on the front page of the English Heritage website (external link). 

Who Lists Buildings?

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (external link) compiles and maintains the lists of buildings of special architectural and historic interest. It is possible for anyone to make suggestions to the Department of buildings which they consider should be added to the lists. 

What is worthy of Listing?

Selection adheres to national criteria. Age or rarity may be key factors, but technological innovation, group value or association with particular architects, historical characters or events are some of the other important issues considered. Recent reviews of the Statutory Lists have adopted a thematic approach, identifying buildings or structures of a similar type across the country.

Buildings are graded according to their relative importance:

Grade I    buildings of exceptional interest

Grade II    buildings of special interest which warrant every effort being made to preserve them. Particularly important buildings in Grade II are classified Grade II*.

Chester District enjoys a high proportion of listed buildings, many of them of national and international importance. Of over 2,388 listed buildings within the city and rural area, some 3% are currently listed in Grade I, with a further 9% Grade II*. This is double the national average for these grades. The remaining 88% are listed Grade II. 

What does listing imply?

Listing is intended to ensure on-going care and protection for important buildings. The requirement to obtain "Listed Building Consent" is a safeguard to ensure that the special character of a building is fully taken into account when proposals to carry out alteration, extension or demolition works are being considered. Rather than preventing change, it seeks to ensure that all works are sympathetic to the building's special character. Listed Building Consent is processed without charge by the Council but does not remove the need to obtain planning permissions or building regulation approval where necessary. 

When is Listed Building Consent required?

Consent is required for all proposals, however minor or apparently insignificant which would affect the character of any part of the interior or exterior of a listed building. Buildings are listed in their entirety and it is an offence to commence alteration, extension or demolition work without consent.

Like for like repair does not require consent, nor does external redecoration to the same colour scheme. However, it is advisable to contact the Council's Design & Conservation Section to check whether a consent is required before any work commences.

The general approach to listed building repair and alteration should seek to recognise the reasons for, and the quality of, traditional construction details, materials and design. While sympathetic responses may sometimes be more costly in the short term (possibly offset by grant aid), they will ensure the character of the building is maintained and the nature of their materials and construction respected. 

Curtilage and Setting

Although some ancillary buildings and structures will be considered to fall squarely within the "curtilage" of a listed building (whether specifically mentioned in the Statutory List or not), other developments may be considered to affect its "setting". "Setting" may be affected, for example, by proposals for free standing buildings within garden-ground, alterations to walls or approaches, sightlines to or from the building and associated landscaping. A consent, or permission, may be required in these instances. 

Availability of Grant

Grant assistance may be available from the Council's Conservation Fund for repair works which are necessary to preserve or restore the character of a listed building. The Fund has been in operation since 1969 and has helped to catalyse many successful conservation projects. Percentage contributions vary according to the relative importance of a building and the works to be undertaken. Normally, grant assistance is designed to compensate for the higher costs which may be incurred in making appropriate repairs to an historic building, and eligible projects should be preceded by informal discussion with a Conservation Officer. An appropriately high standard of work will be required in all cases - guidelines for which are available. 

Specialist Advice

The repair and alteration of listed buildings requires specialist knowledge. Much time and effort can be saved by pre-application discussions with the Council's Conservation staff and, where appropriate, the appointment of a professional architect with experience of historic building work.

The Design & Conservation Section may be able to advise on a suitable professional for the type of repair or design work involved. 

Legal Responsibilities

The owners of a listed building are responsible for its good maintenance and repair. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the Local Authority serving "Repairs Notices", specifying works which need to be done in order to preserve the building and prevent further deterioration. Further deliberate neglect could result in a Compulsory Purchase Order.

Unauthorised alteration or demolition work to a listed building may result in legal action being taken by the Council. Prosecution can follow, often leading to fines or imprisonment. In addition, enforcement action can be taken to reverse unauthorised works.

 Contacts

In the first instance, the Council's Design & Conservation Officers are available to provide technical advice on the repair and maintenance of listed buildings and to advise on proposed alterations.

For advice or information please contact us, details below.

Contact Details

Design & Conservation Service

Email - conservation@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402395

Fax - 01244 310071

Address - Design & Conservation Service, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS

Listed Building Consent is required in addition to normal planning permission, but it is processed by the Council without charge. Application forms are available to download as a PDF, alternatively you can make an on-line application via The Planning Portal (external link) or request a paper copy from:

The Plans Processing Unit
Development Services
The Forum
Chester
CH1 2HS 
Tel (01244) 402404