Local heritage list

What is a local heritage list?

Some buildings, structures, monuments and areas are not necessarily of sufficient national significance to be designated as listed buildings or scheduled monuments, but are nevertheless of local significance and, for the purposes of the planning system, can be considered undesignated heritage assets of local interest.

A local heritage list identifies those undesignated heritage assets which are of special local architectural, historic or archaeological interest and contribute to the character of the particular town or area. It provides information on the location of these assets and what it is about them that makes them significant.

Local heritage assets are not included in the national list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest and are therefore not legally protected by statutory designations – they are not formally protected by law. However, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that local planning authorities should give consideration to undesignated heritage assets:

“The effect of an application on the significance of a non-designated heritage asset should be taken into account in determining the application. In weighing applications that directly or indirectly affect non-designated heritage assets, a balanced judgement will be required having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset.” (Para 197, NPPF, MHCLG, February 2019)

Therefore, whenever decisions are made on development proposals which affect buildings, structures, archaeological sites or parks and gardens included in the local heritage list, the significance and preservation of these assets will be given special consideration during the planning process.

The NPPF also states that this provides an opportunity to discover unidentified heritage assets which may form part of the county historic environment record. The significance of a heritage asset can be wider than the traditional focus on historic and architectural interest or on character and appearance – assets may also gain their significance from economic, social and environmental factors, which may include culture, social history, patterns of settlement and local figures.

If you know of any unlisted buildings, sites or areas that you feel are significant to Tewkesbury borough’s rich and unique heritage getting them on the local list is a great place to start

Nana Pierre – Heritage Engagement Officer

What are the selection criteria?

For inclusion on the local list, heritage assets must be at least one of the following:

• of architectural interest
• of historical interest
• of archaeological interest

General principles of selection:

• Aesthetic merits – Is the appearance of the asset well-crafted or of historic relevance to Tewkesbury borough? This can include parks or gardens.
• Age and rarity – The older an asset is, and the fewer examples of its type exist, the more likely it is to be of local – and in some cases national – interest. The older and rarer, the better.
• Designed landscape merit – This refers to gardens, parks or landscaped grounds designed for people to enjoy the outdoors. They may have a structure or key building that acts as a focal point.
• Evidential value – Does the asset have the potential to provide evidence to further our understanding of the past? The research potential may be of local, regional or national importance.
• Group value – Sometimes certain buildings or structures are part of a larger group, for example houses in a terrace or different buildings in an area designed by the same architect or using the same local materials.
• Intactness (state of originality) – Buildings change and adapt over time. The more an asset is intact or complete in its original form, the greater its value.
• Landmark qualities – Assets which stand out positively in their surroundings due to their size or location.
• Social and communal value – Assets which affect people’s memories of working life, events, traditions, practices or commemorative history. They often give people a sense of local identity and distinctiveness.

How do I nominate a local asset?

Before starting a nomination, please search Historic England’s website here to make sure the asset you wish to nominate isn’t already listed.

There are two principal ways you can nominate a local asset:

• Fill out this online form.
• Download (docx, 51 KB) and print the form, and send it to us in the post.

Please note: make sure you have read the selection criteria before submitting a nomination. When nominating an asset, you are strongly advised to include pictures, descriptions and an address. This will make it easier for the panel to decide whether to select your nominated asset for inclusion in the local heritage list.