A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of national, historical or architectural interest. Caerphilly county borough currently has 411 listed buildings ranging from for example, Caerphilly Castle which is grade I to the remains of a medieval churchyard cross in the grounds of St. Barrwg's Church, Bedwas which is a grade II.
Listing a building gives it legal protection, so that it can be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
A register of all listed building in Caerphilly county borough is available to download below:
Listed Buildings in Caerphilly County Borough (PDF 77kb)
What are the different grades of listing?
Listed buildings are graded to show their relative importance:
- Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest
- Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
- Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them
What are the criteria for listing?
Buildings are assessed against the following criteria:
- Architectural interest: buildings of importance because of their design, decoration and craftsmanship; also important examples of particular building types and techniques and building of significant plan forms;
- Historic interest: buildings which illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history;
- Historic association: close historical association with nationally important people or events of importance in Wales;
- Group value: especially where buildings comprise an important architectural or historic group or fine example of planning such as squares, terraces or model villages.
In considering whether to list a building, the Welsh Ministers are advised by the Inspectorate of Historical Buildings within Cadw, which makes assessments in the light of these principles. Local authorities and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales (RCAHMW) are also consulted.
How is a building listed?
A national survey to identify buildings for listing and to update existing lists was completed by Cadw in December 2005. As a result, approximately 30,000 buildings were listed in Wales.
Applications for listing individual buildings can be made and properties can be 'spot listed' if threatened by development or following the service of a building preservation notice by our planning department.
There is no requirement to consult the owners before a building is listed and there is no right to appeal against a listing and no right to compensation for loss of redevelopment opportunities.
Listed building consent
You will need the consent from our planning department to demolish a listed building or for any alteration or extension, which would affect its character as a building of architectural or historic interest. The need for listed building consent is different from planning permission but the process is very similar.
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. Carrying out unauthorised work is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the council can require you to put the building back the way it was.
To apply for listed building consent you will need to fill in a listed building application form. The listed building consent process is very similar to the planning process and for most cases it will take 8 weeks to process an application.
Application forms for listed building consent are available for download on our Applying for planning permission webpage.
Please note that work involving extensions or change of use may also need planning permission and building regulation approval. Listed building consent is additional to, and separate from, planning permission. The granting of planning permission will not mean that listed building consent will necessarily be granted. If other permissions are required, applications should be made concurrently.
Advice to owners or developers and their professional agents is an important part of the listed building application process and the council's Conservation and Design Officer is available to discuss your proposal before you submit your application. Advice can be given on appropriate alterations and extensions to historic buildings. Except for the most simple applications it is advisable to employ an agent who is familiar with the policies and procedures of the council.
If you are in any doubt, you should check with the council's Conservation and Design Officer if planning permission or listed building consent is needed before starting any work to a listed building.
Can I do work to a listed building?
Regular maintenance and 'like for like' repairs do not need listed building consent but it would be required if the repairs include removal of historic material or changes to its 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, repainting or redecoration, installing new bathroom or kitchen fittings would not normally need consent.
Painting and internal decorating does not need Listed Building Consent but any external painting may require consent as it may affect the character of the Listed Building. Replacement of modern kitchen and bathroom fittings does not require consent. Refurbishment involving the removal of internal features, such as doors, fireplaces, plasterwork, panelling or other historic fittings constitutes alterations and listed building consent is required before work is carried out.
Advice on maintenance and repairs is available from the council's Conservation and Design Officer and is recommended as the effect is not always straight forward. You can contact us if you are unsure whether you need permission, or for more advice on what type of work would require listed building consent.
Emergency work to a listed building
Emergency work can be carried out to a listed building without prior consent providing you can subsequently prove all of the following:
- that the works were urgently necessary in the interest of safety or health or for the preservation of the building;
- it was not practical to secure public safety or health or preserve the building by works of repair or temporary support or shelter;
- that the work was limited to the minimum measures immediately necessary;
- that notice in writing justifying in detail the work was given to the council as soon as reasonably practicable.