Listed buildings
There are around 1300 Listed Buildings in Hackney. This page explains what 'listing' means and what its effects are as well as answering common questions about listed buildings.
Find out if your property is listed
You can now search our GIS system to find out if your property is listed using the link below.
Submit an application for Listed Building Consent online
You can submit an application for Listed Building Consent online using the Planning Portal website. Click on the link below.
What is a Listed Building?
A ‘Listed Building’ is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of national historical or architectural interest. It is included on a register called the Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest, drawn up by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. However, from 1 April 2005 English Heritage will be responsible for the administration of the listing system.
Why are buildings listed?
Listing is an important way in which our special characteristics of our built heritage are given special protection within the planning system.
Buildings may be listed for their architectural design, or if they illustrate an important aspect of the nation’s history. Buildings that have close historical association with important people or events may be listed, as might buildings that contribute to a larger historical or architectural setting, e.g. a town square.
The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to have historic importance and be listed. The selection criteria for more recent buildings are more stringent.
What are the different grades of listing?
Listed Buildings are placed in one of three grades, which give an indication of their relative importance – grade I, grade II* or grade II. Grade I and II* Listed Buildings are a small proportion of all Listed Buildings, and are particularly important to the nation’s built heritage as buildings of outstanding architectural or historic interest. Grade II Listed Buildings include the majority of Listed Buildings representing a major element in the historic quality of Hackney.
Church of Saint John. The Parish Church of Hackney, 1792-97, by James Spiller with later additions. Now a grade II* listed building.
What are the implications of listing?
In addition to normal Planning Permission you will also need Listed Building Consent to demolish a Listed Building and for any alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of architectural or historic interest.
Just because a building is listed does not mean that it cannot be changed; however, it does mean that you will need to be able to justify the reasons for those changes, and show that the special characteristics of the building are not being compromised. The design of any new additions to a Listed Building must be carefully considered. The setting of a Listed Building is also important to preserving its special characteristics, and Hackney will look carefully at any works that may affect the area surrounding a Listed Building.
It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a Listed Building without prior Listed Building Consent – even if you did not know that the building was listed. You can use this site to check if your building is included on the list.
The Old Tower of the former Church of Saint Augustine, Mare Street, Hackney. The remaining element of the Medieval parish church of Hackney, now listed grade I.
What information does listing include?
The Statutory List includes a description of each building, which refers to some, but not necessarily all, important features of an historic building. This is for identification purposes only, as each listing covers the entire building and any object or structure fixed to or within the boundaries of the building. Irrespective of a building’s designated grade every part the building is listed, including the interior and any later alterations or additions. Even if a feature (internal or external) is not included on the description, it is still protected.
Can I do work to a Listed Building?
Listed Building Consent is not needed for regular maintenance and repairs which do not affect the character of an historic building i.e. if the repaired feature is identical in every way, using matching materials and methods. However, Listed Building Consent is needed if the repairs include removal of historic material or changes to the building’s character. For example, internal alterations that include removal of historic doors, fireplaces or plasterwork or replacement of external doors or windows would require consent. However, works such as repainting or redecoration would not normally need consent.
You can contact the duty planner if you are unsure whether you need permission or for more advice on what type of work would require Listed Building Consent.
How do I apply for Listed Building Consent?
You will need to fill in a Listed Building Consent application form or apply online via the Planning Portal website; the Listed Building Consent process is very similar to the planning process, although more detailed information regarding the existing features of the Listed Building and how they are affected by any proposed works, is required.
What policies apply to Listed Buildings?
Generally, Hackney seeks to preserve Listed Buildings, their settings and any features of architectural or historic interest. Hackney would not normally approve an application to demolish a Listed Building, allow alterations that would involve the loss of historic parts of the building, obscure the original plan form, layout or structural integrity, or otherwise diminish the historic value of Listed Buildings. Should you wish to carry out works to a Listed Building it is vital to consult a suitably qualified professional with experience of dealing with historic buildings. You should also employ an experienced, reputable building contractor.
Many Listed Buildings can sustain some sensitive alterations or extensions to accommodate continuing or new uses, but they vary greatly in the extent to which they can be changed without harm to their special architectural or historic interest. Hackney’s policies relating to Listed Buildings are in the Unitary Development Plan and additional advice is offered in the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guide. Detailed guidance is also included in the Government’s Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 – Planning and the Historic Environment.
For grade I and II* buildings Hackney works closely with English Heritage in deciding whether Listed Building Consent should be granted. The Council cannot give itself consent to work on its owned listed buildings and these applications are considered by the Government Office for London.
What can Hackney do about neglected Listed Buildings?
Not all Listed Buildings are cared for by their owners. In certain cases of deliberate neglect or long term vacancy, a Listed Building is put on a register of Buildings at Risk.
Page updated: 15 May 2008