The District is rich in buildings of architectural and historic significance which contribute to the character of Mid Sussex. Buildings of particular merit are included in the statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, compiled by English Heritage. Listed buildings are a national asset, and their preservation is of utmost importance.
There are over 1000 Listed Buildings in the District. The majority are Grade II with approximately 50 Grade II* and 20 Grade I. The Planning Policy Division holds a copy of the list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, which includes a description of each listed property.
What Requires Listed Building Consent?
Listed buildings are protected under the Planning (Listed buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the listing covers both the interior and exterior of the building and also any structure within the curtilage dating from before 1st July 1948. Listed building consent is required for any alterations which affect the character of the listed building and work requiring consent can range from removing an internal feature to adding an extension. The type of work which normally requires Listed Building Consent includes:
- Replacement windows
- Stripping out internal plaster work
- Repairs not carried out in matching materials
- Exposing timbers and brickwork previously hidden behind plaster or limewash
- Removal or alteration to internal features such as doors, cupboards, panelling and fireplaces
- Changes to the plan form of internal rooms
- New plumbing (where this has an impact on the listed building)
- Painting of unpainted surfaces (where this will have a visual impact and affect the character)
- Extensions and any demolition
This list is for guidance only and if there is any doubt as to whether Listed Building Consent is required you should contact the Planning Department (see Listed Building application on the application forms page) before work is started. It is an offence to carry out any work that affects the character of the building without obtaining the necessary consent from the Council.
Planning Policy
Listed buildings are protected by law both internally and externally. They are important because they show how methods of construction and detailing change over the centuries. The Council will control alterations and extensions to Listed Buildings to ensure the preservation of these irreplaceable assets. The Council will also ensure that the integrity is maintained, and demolition will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. In considering Listed Building Consent applications the Council will have particular regard to policy B10 in the Mid Sussex Local Plan 2004.
Repairs to Listed Buildings
Owners of listed buildings are encouraged to keep them in good repair, backed up by the use of statutory powers if necessary. Repairs to listed buildings using traditional materials and building techniques on like-for-like basis will not normally require Listed Building Consent but is always wise to check with the Planning Department before commencing work. When carrying out repairs it is advisable to appoint a professionally qualified person with experience of listed buildings to act on your behalf and supervise the work.
The District Council, together with West Sussex County Council, provides advice to owners on building conservation. Financial assistance towards structural repairs to listed buildings is available under the District Council's Historic Buildings Loans Scheme. For more information on this scheme or to download the Historic Building Repair Loan Form please click on the relevant links on the right hand side.
Downloads/Links
Historic Building Repair Loan Form (pdf)
Historic Building Repair Loans Guide (pdf)
English Heritage (external website)
Images of England (external website)
Contacts
Further details regarding Listed Buildings and / or the Mid Sussex Listed Buildings Loan scheme can be obtained from Planning Policy on 01444 477385 or planningpolicy@midsussex.gov.uk
