Local heritage assets
In addition to Listed Buildings, Government policy advises us to have regard to non-designated heritage assets through the planning process. In 2013 Cherwell established a programme of Local Heritage Assets, working with local communities to nominate structures which have a specific local heritage value. This register will replace the former local list.
The intention of the register is to identify buildings and structures of heritage value, which while not worthy of formal listing by Historic England, still play an important role in the history and architectural heritage of a community. We have run workshops with parish councils and local amenity groups and over 40 new assets have been added to the list by the community. Structures and buildings identified on the register do not have the same statutory protection as listed buildings.
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Nominate an asset
If you are interested in nominating an asset, please read the Local Heritage Assets guidance notes before making an application. The Design and Conservation Team will review and update the register as part of the ongoing programme of conservation area appraisals.
Apply for buildings assessment
Apply for non-buildings assessment
Heritage at risk
The great majority of listed buildings, structures and monuments in the district are in good condition. However, there are a number of buildings that have fallen into disuse, dereliction and disrepair for a variety of reasons. The Council maintains a register of Buildings at Risk. The aim of this register is to raise awareness of the problems relating to historic buildings at risk to the wider public. It also aims to prompt the owner or members of the public to take action to get these buildings repaired and secure their long-term future.
Rescuing an ‘at risk’ asset can be a complex matter and the officer‐hours spent dealing with such a case may not necessarily result a successful outcome. In some cases the fate of a building can be turned around by changing ownership or finding opportunities for new uses.
Historic England’s guidance ‘Stopping the Rot’ provide useful guidance on bringing buildings back into repair
Article 4 directions
Even in conservation areas, certain types of minor alterations, extensions to buildings do not require planning permission from the council. These forms of development are called permitted development. Individually many of these changes may appear fairly minor but added together they can begin to have a significant effect on the character and appearance of conservation areas. In order to address these concerns local planning authorities can introduce additional planning controls known as Article 4 directions in conservation areas which withdraw certain permitted development rights in respect of dwelling houses.
An Article 4 direction removes specific permitted development rights and means that even minor residential alterations will require planning permission, for example constructing a porch, replacing windows or re-roofing. Once an Article 4 direction has been made, planning permission becomes necessary for any changes to a building set out in the direction. There is no fee for any application made necessary by the serving of an Article 4 direction. It is suggested that owners/occupiers check in every instance before any work is undertaken whether or not planning permission is required.