What is a Local Heritage List?
A Local Heritage List identifies buildings and structures with architectural, historical and cultural significance which enrich and enliven the character of a place.
It is one way in which councils and local communities can record and celebrate the breadth of the local historic environment, by highlighting those buildings that make a positive contribution to their surroundings including unbuilt and landscape settings.
The buildings and structures included within a Local Heritage List are ‘non-designated heritage assets’. This means they are not ‘Listed Buildings’ on the Statutory List maintained by Historic England, but they are recognised to have significance that is important locally, and which will be taken into account when determining planning applications.
Why publish a Local Heritage List?
Local planning authorities have a duty to set out a, ‘positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment,’ and the Local Heritage List is one of the ways of achieving this.
A local list highlights and promotes the rich history of a place, and it is an opportunity for local councils to work with local communities to better understand what built heritage is valued by residents.
It should also act as a source of general information to those interested in the history and heritage of a place.
It also acts as a key reference document when assessing planning applications that may impact locally listed buildings.
What is included within a Local Heritage List?
A Local Heritage List includes built structures that have historical, architectural and cultural significance to their immediate surroundings and to the borough as a whole, which it is considered desirable to preserve or enhance for future generations.
Built structures within the Waltham Forest Local Heritage List include:
- Buildings
- Infrastructure
- Shop-fronts
- Street furniture
- Walls
- Bridges
- Fountains
- Sculptures
- Public artworks
Individual buildings within conservation areas may be included in the Local Heritage List to reinforce their individual value, and to supplement the information found in conservation area appraisal and management plan documents.
Building uses in their own right are not included, but an ongoing original use may contribute to the overall significance of a building and may support the case for local listing, if it can be demonstrated it meets the other criteria.
Buildings and structures that have been statutory listed by Historic England are not eligible for inclusion, as these buildings already have greater protection in the planning process, and inclusion in the Local Heritage List would be an unnecessary duplication. Information on statutory listed buildings within Waltham Forest can be found on Historic England’s website: https://historicengland.org.uk/
Natural landscapes, trees, habitats and views are not included as they would be subject to more appropriate designations, such as Tree Preservation Orders.