Tandridge has almost 600 listed buildings, or "buildings of special architectural or historic interest. They range from farm buildings, cottages and country houses to more unusual structures such as coal tax posts, tombs and telephone kiosks. Listing means that there are extra controls over alterations to these buildings, in addition to the normal requirements of planning and building regulations.
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To be included in the 'statutory list', buildings and other structures have to be judged to be of national importance. Many buildings are included because of their age (for example, most buildings built before 1700 are listed) but buildings are also listed because of their association with well known architects or with significant events in history.
The Grades
Buildings are graded according to their relative importance as follows:
Grade I are buildings of exceptional interest.
They represent only 2% of all listed buildings and in Tandridge there are just 20 Grade 1 Buildings.
Grade II* are buildings of particular importance and perhaps containing outstanding features. Nationally only 4% of all listed buildings are Grade II*. in Tandridge there are 50 Grade II* buildings.
Grade II buildings are defined as buildings of special interest and represent the bulk (over 90%) of all listed buildings.
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The grading does not however affect the level of control over change to listed buildings. The need for listed building consent applies regardless of grade.
The listing description
Each listed building has a listing description which gives details of the building's location, date, materials, important features and, if relevant, the particular architect or the building' historic significance. These descriptions indicate what is important about the building, and why it is included on the 'list'.
However, the need for listed building consent applies to any part of the building (whether it is mentioned in the description or not), including both its interior and exterior, as well as any objects or structures fixed to the building and features within the boundary of the property if they have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948. This could include outbuildings, boundary walls, gates and even garden statues.
The Register of Listed Buildings
If you wish to look at the current register of Listed Buildings you can do so by clicking here. The Council holds copies of the listing descriptions at the Council Offices, and these can be inspected during office hours. Copies of listing descriptions can be obtained from English Heritage.
If you need to know specific details about a Listed Building the Images of England website contains the grades, listing descriptions and photographs of many of the Listed Buildings in England. However the Images of England website is intended as a "point in time" historical record at around the turn of the millennium.
How buildings get added to the List
Additional buildings can be added to the List at any time. Requests for listing should be made to English Heritage. Requests that a building is listed should be accompanied by as much information as possible. English Heritage will make an assessment of the building against set criteria and a recommendation to list will be made to the Secretary of State at the Department of Culture Media and Sport. The Secretary of State will still make the final decision.
Buildings can also be 'spot' listed. Usually this happens when a building is under threat from demolition or radical alteration. Details, photographs and a location plan should be sent to English Heritage and the building will be assessed for listing. This request can be made by anyone, and listing can be done quickly if there is a good case and the building is under threat.
The need for listed building consent
The statutory list exists in order to identify and protect buildings and structures of cultural, historical or architectural importance. This protection is achieved mainly through the requirement for listed building consent to be obtained before carrying out certain types of works. For more information look at our Guide to making a Listed Building Application
Listed building consent is required for the following work to listed buildings:
Listed building consent is not normally required for minor repairs and routine maintenance. However more extensive works such as the replacement of windows or re-roofing will need listed building consent. Changes from one material to another will also need consent - even if the change involves the re-introduction of more appropriate materials, such as the replacement of concrete tiles with clay tiles. Other types of work, such as external painting involving a change in colour and abrasive cleaning techniques, may need consent.
Owners are advised to check with the Council's development control section before carrying out works to listed buildings, and will be advised whether consent is required. You may be asked to submit details of the works before an answer is given. It is an offence, liable to prosecution, to demolish, extend or alter a listed building in any way that affects its character without first obtaining listed building consent. The penalties on conviction can be heavy.
Anyone submitting an application for listed building consent will be required to demonstrate the impact of the proposal on the character of the building, and for this may need to obtain their own specialist advice. The forms can be obtained from Planning application forms. No fee is payable for listed building applications and in most cases a decision will be issued by the Council within eight weeks, subject to the Secretary of State's approval for applications involving Grade I and II* buildings.
Applying for listed building consent is a separate approval procedure. Many developments within the curtilage of a listed building will need specific planning permission and may also require building regulation approval.
Maintenance of listed buildings
Owners of listed buildings are encouraged to keep them in good repair. Appropriate materials should be always be used and, as stated already, major repair work may require listed building consent.
Discretionary grants may be available from the District Council for the most important or public buildings. Grants may also be available from the Surrey Historic Buildings Trust. English Heritage may be able to offer financial assistance for repairs to Grade I and Grade II* buildings.
The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings has more information on how to care for historic buildings
Buying or owning a Listed Building
We have published the following leaflets - Buying a Listed Building and Listed Building Owners Guide which will give you advice if you are an owner of a Listed Building or are considering buying one.
| Related Pages: |
| Listed buildings Buildings of character (Pages) |
| Register of listed buildings (Pages) |
