Locally listed buildings in Lambeth
What is a locally listed building?
A locally listed building is a building or other structure which is deemed to be of local architectural or historic interest and is included on the Local List drawn up by the Council. It is a local designation and completely separate from national listing which is undertaken by the government.
Why locally list buildings?
The Council locally lists buildings in order to give them the recognition they deserve. Local listing is a way of flagging up to owners and decision makers that the building is of value to the local scene, character or history.
Locally listed buildings are chosen according to their:
Architecture
The architectural style, decoration and detailing, materials, craftsmanship and plan form may give it special interest if these features are of particular note - above the ordinary in their design and execution, and reasonably intact. This criterion can include the best works of architects who were active locally. In some cases altered buildings may still be worthy of inclusion, especially if by an architect of importance.
History
Buildings and structures that reflect the diverse aspects of the social, economic, and physical development of Lambeth may be of interest. If the building type is reasonably common – houses, pubs, churches - only the best examples will be added to the list.
Close historical association
Connections with people or events that are acknowledged as of being of borough wide / national importance may make some buildings worthy of inclusion. Building materials of clear local interest (such as Doulton's architectural ceramics) may be considered in this category.
Townscape
Some buildings and structures contribute to the richness of our street scene, individually or in groups they may contribute greatly to the quality of local townscape or landscape. Similarly, they may contribute positively to the setting or group value of statutory listed buildings.
Age and rarity
The older a building or structure is and/or the fewer the surviving examples of its type the more historically important it is.
Locally listed buildings are not given a grade like statutory listed buildings.
How are buildings listed?
Anyone can ask for a building to be considered for local listing. Local listing is undertaken by the Divisional Director of Planning (in liaison with the lead member for Planning and Ward Councillors for the relevant Ward) on the advice of Conservation and Urban Design Team. Local listing requests should be sent to the Conservation and Urban Design team and should include:
- full address or a location map if the structure has no address
- clear, up-to-date photographs of the main elevations of the building
- any information about the building (e.g. the date it was built)
- details of any specialised function (such as industrial use) or historical associations
- the name of the architect if known
- how the building fits in with and enhances its location
The older and more intact a building is the greater likelihood it is to be listed.
Can I appeal a local listing decision?
When a building is added to the local list the owner / occupant is informed in writing. If they wish to appeal the listing they must write to the Executive Director responsible for the Planning Division explaining why they think their building is not of local architectural or historic interest. Similarly, if the Council chooses not to locally list a building then the person who proposed the listing can write asking the Executive Director to revisit the decision.
What buildings in Lambeth are on the local list?
View the list of locally listed buildings.
What does locally listing a building mean in practice?
Local listing brings no additional planning controls and does not impose any additional responsibilities on an owner.
Do I need consent to carry out works to a locally listed building?
No. There are no additional planning controls. The normal planning regulations apply. You may therefore need to apply for Planning Permission for some works. In addition, Planning Permission is required for the erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure within the curtilage of a listed building.
What planning policies apply to locally listed buildings?
Policy 46 of Lambeth's Unitary Development Plan (UDP) relates to locally listed buildings. We take this policy into account when we consider planning applications and other associated proposals which would affect locally listed buildings.
General principles
There is generally a presumption in favour of retaining the historic character of the building and its setting.
Can I get financial help for my locally listed building?
The Council does not have a grant fund for locally listed buildings.
What is Building Control?
As well as conforming to planning laws and policies, building owners have to carry out work in a manner that conforms with the requirements set out in the Building Act and Building Regulations.
These requirements are made in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, and for the conservation of energy. Our Building Control team can help achieve the required standards by providing advice, checking plans and inspecting building work.
Where can I find an architect?
The council does not recommend architects. However, the Royal Institute of British Architects has a register of its members who specialise in conservation works. Their Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) can be found on their website.
Where can I find a contractor?
The council does not recommend builders or other service providers. However, a wide range of specialist conservation contractors can be found in the online Conservation Directory, published by Cathedral Communications Ltd.
Amenity Societies