Listed buildings

Buildings, structures and objects of special architectural or historic interest are listed by Cadw through the National Assembly for Wales. In Rhondda Cynon Taf there are almost 360 Listed Buildings. They are listed for a number of reasons, such as age, architectural merit, rarity, method of construction, famous associations and group value.

Listing does not seek to prevent all future change to a building. Keeping a building in continuous use, sometimes in a new way, is often the best means of ensuring its survival. The prime objective of listing is to protect a building from demolition and unsympathetic alteration. If you wish to alter any Listed building you must first obtain Listed Building Consent.

Listed Building Grades

Listed buildings are placed in one of three grades, which give an indication of their relative importance:

• Grade I
• Grade II*
• Grade II.

Grade I and II* listed buildings are a small proportion (about 6% nationally) of all listed buildings. They are particularly important to the nation's built heritage as buildings of outstanding architectural or historic interest. The remaining buildings are listed Grade II and represent an important part of our built heritage which is given special protection.

Grading can be changed where re-evaluation takes place after damage or alteration, or as more evidence of a building's history or architectural quality comes to light. But the statutory controls on alterations apply equally to all listed buildings whatever the grade.

You will need the Council's consent 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.

How do I obtain Listed Building Consent?

Application forms for Listed Building Consent (LBC) can be made using the link below. You should include with your application form as much information as possible - in particular justifying what you want to do and what materials you intend to use. Delays may be caused if you do not supply enough information.

Details of your application, once received and registered, are then advertised and comments are invited from various local and national bodies before consent is either granted or refused. In general 8 weeks should be allowed for this. Some applications may take longer. If your application for LBC is refused or granted subject to conditions, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate Wales .

In addition to Listed Building Consent, you may also require Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval to alter and extend a Listed Building. If this is the case it is advisable to submit your Planning Application at the same time as your application for Listed Building Consent. Remember, alterations and extensions, which do not require Planning Permission may still need Listed Building Consent.

Further information

More information regarding Listed Buildings and the planning process can be found by visiting the Planning Portal and Gwyn Headley’s Heritage Site.