Historical buildings
Historic buildings are an irreplaceable part of the nation's cultural heritage and are tangible connections with our past. Those which are listed represent a vast range of building types which have evolved as our history has unfolded.
All levels of society are represented, and all manner of activity. There are approximately 6465 listed entries for the former West Dorset District Council area and 1461 for the former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council area, reflecting the richness of the heritage in these areas.
How we approach the conservation and alteration of historic buildings and the principles that guide best practice have evolved through national guidelines. Based on those guidelines, find advice for those who live in an historic building.
Listed buildings
Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest that have been identified to be protected through legislation. The West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan, Policy ENV4 covers listed buildings (designated heritage assets).
Listing is the statutory process by which buildings are added to the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest by English Heritage. Compiled under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the list includes a great variety of structures, from castles to telephone boxes. Listing gives statutory protection to historic buildings and requires their special interest to be taken into account before any changes are made to them that would affect their special interest.
What listing means
Listing is not intended to mothball a building, but it does require that special attention is taken over any works that may affect its heritage significance. The long-term interests of an historic building are best served by keeping it in use, preferably the use for which it was originally designed.
Buildings may need to change and adapt, and listing is a way of identifying special interest through the planning process. Listing should be seen as the start of a process rather than an end in itself. Extra care is needed to ensure that they are handed down to future generations in a state that respects their special interest.
Listed building consent
Listed building consent is required for altering or extending a listed building in any way that affects its special interest or for demolishing any part of it. It is important to note that listing covers the entire building. In practice most works to the exterior or interior of listed buildings will require consent.
Listed building consent applications should be made via the Planning Portal. The Planning Portal not only provides general information and guidance on the planning process, it enables you to submit and view your application.
If you have any questions, contact the planning team.
Find out if your building is listed
If you want to find out if a building is listed it is easy to find information for yourself online.
The National Heritage List for England is the only official and up to date database of all nationally designated heritage assets including Listed Buildings
View a map showing the location of listed buildings.
What happens next
Find out how to get a building listed.
If you have any questions, contact the planning team.
Get more advice
- Historic England provides a variety of guidance, including:
- free guidance on the conversion of traditional farm buildings
- care, repair and upgrading of traditional windows
- installation of small scale solar thermal energy and traditional buildings
- theft of metal from church buildings
- thatch and thatching
- identifying and sourcing stone for historic building repair and stone slate roofing
- find out more about Georgian buildings by visiting The Georgian Group website
- find advice about ancient buildings by visiting The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) website
- find advice about Victorian buildings by visiting The Victorian Society website
- find advice about 20th century buildings by visiting The Twentieth Century Society
If you have any questions, contact the planning team.