First Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document

Agriculture

Traditional farm buildings including amongst others well-preserved barns, dairies, stables, piggeries, dovecotes and cart sheds.

Public Art and Commemorative

Monuments that show a high level of craftsmanship or artistry, especially if associated with a known artist or local manufacturer. This asset type includes amongst others, public art and sculpture, grave markers, civic monuments, commemorative plaques and war memorials

Commercial

Banks and offices, shops and shopfronts, public houses, inns and hotels.

Cultural and Entertainment

Libraries and reading rooms, museums, assembly rooms and music venues, theatres and cinemas, dance halls, village halls and institutes.

Residential

Examples of vernacular and more contemporary dwellings and ancillary buildings.

Places of Worship or religious sites

Places of worship of all different denominations and faiths including other buildings that have been reused as faith buildings.

Law and Civic, (including Education and Health)

Town halls and government buildings, law courts, police stations and prisons, fire stations, reading rooms, political clubs and institutions, hospitals, schools and technical colleges

Trade and Industry

Assets relating to textiles manufacturing, engineering and machinemaking, coal mining and quarrying amongst others

Utilities and Communication

Power generation or distribution sites, waterworks, pumping stations, water towers and reservoirs, post boxes, telephone boxes and telegraph exchanges.

Leisure, Sports and Recreation

Indoor and outdoor sporting venues including swimming baths, pavilions, and sports grounds.

Public Realm and Street Furniture

Street surfaces, lampposts, boundary markers, street nameplates, signposts, drinking fountains, street furniture, railings.

Transport

Canal and rail infrastructure, bridges, bus and tram depots and sheds, historic trackways and way markers.

Historic designed landscape

Public gardens and parks, cemeteries, recreation grounds, public squares, woodland, deer parks, private gardens.

Archaeological sites and monuments

Buried archaeological remains and upstanding remains or earthworks

10 Local List Selection Criteria Comment

10.1 To ensure locally listing is applied only to those assets with genuine heritage interest, the it is important that the listing criteria is robust, and based on sound evidence. The table below sets out the heritage significance that must be achieved in order for assets to be considered for local listing.

10.2 Advice within Historic England's Local Heritage Listing: Historic England Advice Note 7 (2nd edition January 2021) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 'Principles of Selection of Listed Buildings' (January 2025)^[7] sets out best practice approaches to the criteria and general principles used in the selection of Listed Buildings and has formed the basis of the approach here.

10.3 Elevating local buildings to be considered formally as 'Heritage Assets' requires that the candidate asset must have architectural, artistic, historic or archaeological interest. This interest underpins the Principal Selection Criteria set out below; entries should meet one or more of these criteria. Entries should also meet one or more of the Secondary Selection Criteria which include authenticity (age, rarity or intactness), social and community interest, group value and townscape/landscape interest.

10.4 The criteria are to be used as both a guide for those making a nomination and to inform the selection process. They are intended to set an appropriate standard which can be consistently applied to the assessment of candidates for local listing and to be sufficiently broad in the range of heritage values captured. At the same time, the criteria should ensure the standard is not too low so as to risk including assets of more limited quality which might devalue the status of the Local List.

Principal Selection Criteria Table Comment

Architectural or Artistic Interest

Architectural interest is an interest in the art or science of the design, construction, materials, craftsmanship and decoration of buildings and structures of all types. Artistic interest is an interest in other creative skills such as sculpture and decoration. This criteria includes: Well preserved examples of particular local building styles/traditions, techniques and materials that are part of the local architectural style (local vernacular) and/or which illustrates local or regional architectural history or design. Good examples of a distinctive architectural style or fashion; or that demonstrates high quality design, including form, proportions, materials, attention to detail and articulation. These assets should be well preserved or affected only by minor reversible alterations. Works of a notable local or national architect, designer or artist. Assets with a high degree of creative skill/craftsmanship in their construction and/or detailing for example stone carving, joinery, metalwork, stained glass. Decorative elements such as finials, roof bosses, door surrounds or signage may also hold a degree of artistic interest. This criteria also covers assets that are important local examples of technological innovation or engineering. Assets nominated under this category for their architectural or artistic interest must meet the secondary criteria for Authenticity (Age, Rarity, Intactness).

Historic Interest

Historic interest is an interest in past lives and events and includes assets that exhibit evidence of an association with an important/valued aspect of local or national history, notable people/families, groups or events, or relate to a key period of building development. This criteria includes: Assets that have well-authenticated historical associations with an individual; company; organisation; groups/movement; or event of local or national importance. For example a birthplace of a notable figure, the meeting place of a notable group or the site of a significant event. Assets that have an important association with key periods of economic development such as agricultural, industrial, commercial, communications or transport.

Archaeological Interest

There will be archaeological interest in a heritage asset if it holds, or potentially holds, evidence of past human activity worthy of expert investigation at some point. Assets can take the form of structural remains, earthwork monuments, archaeological features or deposits. These may date from very early prehistory through to relatively recent sites, for example the remains of structures associated with World War Two.

Secondary Selection Criteria Comment

Authenticity (Age, Rarity, Intactness)

The older a heritage asset is, and the fewer surviving example of its type, the more likely it is to have heritage significance. Generally, assets will be a good example of their type and survive in or closely to their original form as follows: Pre 1845: Assets that retain a significant proportion of their original fabric, and where the style, form and construction are easily identifiable. Early origins, if not now clearly expressed in the character of the building, would not in themselves justify inclusion. Superficial alterations which may be reversed in the future will not preclude inclusion. 1845 to 1945: Assets that are substantially unaltered and retain the majority of their original features, fabric and plan form, having a quality and character that distinguish them from other buildings/structures of the same period locally. Superficial alterations which may be reversed in the future will not preclude inclusion. Post 1945: Assets that are outstanding examples of important architectural styles of their period and unaffected by inappropriate alterations and extensions. Assets nominated for their architectural or artistic interest must meet this secondary criteria.

Social and Communal Interest

Social and communal interest is closely related to historic interest and comprises assets that represent key social or cultural roles in the historical development of the area including associations with activities, events, or traditions that give an area and/or community a sense of local identity or that contributes to the "collective memory" of the area.

Group Values

In addition to the individual qualities of an asset, they may also have special interest through their visual, design or historic functional relationship with other buildings, structures and spaces. Examples include farm groupings, mill complexes, residential terraces or retail parades.

Townscape/Landscape Interest including Landmarks

This criteria includes: Assets or groups of assets which, due to their form, scale, location or appearance, stand out positively in the townscape; landscape; roofscape; or key views. Designed landscapes that make a positive visual contribution to the local distinctiveness of an area, for example public squares, cemeteries, parks and gardens. Assets that make a valued contribution to a distinctive streetscene including boundary treatments (e.g. walls, fences and railings); street surfaces (e.g. cobbles, flags and setts); and street furniture (e.g. signposts, streetlights, benches, post boxes and telephone boxes).

Evidence: Comment

10.5 Local listing must be underpinned by an appropriate level of evidence which establishes the heritage value of the asset and demonstrates its significance. Evidence may be derived from a number of different sources and include historic mapping; documentary sources such as local history books, archived newspaper articles, historic building plans and images where they exist; and site surveys. Such data is necessary to describe the location and significance of the asset and will be used to evaluate whether a candidate asset should be included on the Local List.

11 Procedure for Adding to or Removing Entries from The Local List Comment

11.1 The criteria are to be used as both a guide for those making a nomination and to inform the selection process. They are intended to set an appropriate standard which can be consistently applied to the assessment of candidates for local listing and to be sufficiently broad in the range of heritage values captured. At the same time, the criteria should ensure the standard is not too low so as to risk including assets of more limited quality which might devalue the status of the Local List.

11.2 Local Listing requires thorough research and robust assessment to ensure that potential candidates have sufficient heritage significance to be considered as being material considerations in a planning context.

Identification Comment

11.3 The Local List is a dynamic document and assets are likely to be identified in the following ways:

11.4 Nomination: Members of the public are encouraged to nominate assets that they consider meet the criteria for inclusion on the Local List by using the nomination form on the Council's website and included in Appendix Three of this SPD. A completed nomination form will include as a minimum:

• Street address including postcode and/or a site location plan;
• Written description of significance identifying which of the Local List criteria are met; and
• Clear digital photographs taken from public viewpoints giving an overall impression of the asset; the original design intention; any important decorative or structural features; and any dates or inscriptions that contribute to an understanding of the significance of the asset.

11.5 Local Character Appraisals: The most common type of appraisal undertaken by the Council are Conservation Area Appraisals. During the course of these appraisals, individual assets that meet the selection criteria will be taken through the assessment process.

11.6 Historic Environment Record (HER): The HER identifies both designated and non-designated heritage assets. Those non-designated heritage assets that meet the selection criteria will be considered for inclusion on the Local List.

11.7 Development Control Process: During the determination of planning applications, it may emerge that the proposal relates to a building or structure that meets the selection criteria and will be considered for inclusion on the Local List.

Local Listing Procedure Comment

11.8 The process of Local Listing identifies, assesses and describes a heritage asset against the criteria. The objective is to do so in a robust and consistent manner across the whole borough, distinguishing only those assets which are of the greatest merit or local interest. Once identified, assessed, and described, the proposed listing is consulted on and the asset is recommended for Local Listing. The final decision is taken by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of the Councils Environment and Communities Committee.

11.9 The procedure will be overseen by the Environmental Planning Team. Proposed additions to the Local List may be processed in periodic batches or individually and will include the following stages:

11.10 Stage One: Initial Assessment:

11.11 An evaluation of the information submitted will be undertaken to further understand the significance of the asset, and whether the asset is likely to meet the selection criteria. If an asset is not considered to meet the selection criteria, re-assessment will only take place if further information that reveals more about its heritage significance becomes available.

11.12 Stage Two: Further Investigation

11.13 If the asset is considered likely to meet the criteria, further research and evaluation will be carried out including a site visit.

11.14 Stage Three: Consultation

11.15 If the nomination passes stages 1 and 2 above, a draft report outlining the reasons for consideration will be prepared for consultation. At this stage, there is a presumption in favour of including the asset on the Local List.

11.16 In some instances candidate assets will be identified through the planning application process, where this occurs the Local Listing process will be instigated alongside the determination of the application.

11.17 The owner (where known) will be invited to comment within a 28-day period. The consultation will be undertaken in accordance with the Councils Statement of Community involvement and the local ward member, parish council and relevant special interest groups will also be invited to make representations for consideration.

11.18 It is important to note that the Council can only consider comments about the asset's heritage interest and cannot consider personal circumstances or current or future development proposals. Any request for an asset not to be added to the list will need to be based on evidence that it fails to meet the requirements of the selection criteria.

11.19 Stage Four: Final Assessment and Selection Review:

11.20 Consultation responses will be assessed and summarised as part of the final assessment. Where assets are considered suitable for inclusion on the Local List a final draft report will be prepared. The report will comprise the following information: address and location plan; photographs; the known or believed date of construction; the present use (if relevant); a description of the asset; and the criterion under which it qualifies.

11.21 Reports of this nature would normally be taken to the Councils Environment and Communities committee for final decision. However, consideration is being given to whether final decisions could be delegated to the Head of Planning and the Chair of the Environment and Communities Committee.

11.22 Stage Five: Local List Update

11.23 If the asset is agreed for inclusion on the Local List, it will be assigned an identification number and the Local List updated accordingly.

11.24 The Council will refer assets that have strong potential for inclusion on the National List to Historic England so that consideration can be given to whether they should be statutorily listed.

Notification Comment

11.25 Once a decision has been made by the Council to include an asset on the Local List, or remove it, the owner, where known or identified, will be notified in writing with an explanation of what this means and how it affects them.

11.26 Owners will have the opportunity to challenge the decision to include (or not include) their property on the Local List. Such appeals should be made in writing no later than 28 days from the date of the notification and should demonstrate why the asset does not (or does) meet each of the selection criteria.

11.27 Such appeal cases will be considered by the councils Principal Heritage Officer and a report will be written to summarise the key matters. It is envisaged that appeals will be considered by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of the Environment and Communities Committee.

11.28 Reasons for removal would be that upon further investigation the significance of the asset was found to be less important than was originally thought. Reasons for addition following a decision not to include, would be that further evidence has been discovered or revealed that proves the asset has greater significance than was originally thought such that it would meet the selection criteria. Future plans for alterations will not be accepted as justification for removal from the Local List.

11.29 Assets added to the Local List will be plotted onto an electronic geographical information system and used for development control purposes.

11.30 The Council will share appropriate information gathered through the assessment and selection process with the Cheshire Historic Environment Record (HER) in accordance with data protection requirements.

12 Removing Entries from The Local List Comment

12.1 Requests for an asset to be removed from the Local List must be supported by evidence to show that the asset no longer meets the selection criteria and therefore no longer merits inclusion on the List.

12.2 Where removal from the Local List is recommended, a report will prepared and considered by the Head of Planning in consultation with the Chair of the Environment and Communities Committee.

13 Review and Monitoring Comment

13.1 The Local List will be monitored and updated on an on-going basis to take account of new information that is available about specific assets that would justify its inclusion or removal. This would include information that comes to light when preparing or updating Conservation Area Appraisals and information received through the development control process.

14 Viewing the Local List Comment

14.1 The Local List is available to view on the Council's website.

14.2 A brief description of each entry and a summary of the reasons for inclusion on the Local List will be available for every new and updated entry; accompanied by an image of the entry taken from the public highway, where possible.

14.3 The description for each entry may not be exhaustive, and further research may reveal a greater understanding of the site which would meet other selection criteria

15 Currently Adopted Local List Comment

15.1 The currently adopted local list remains as an SPD and therefore also a material consideration in decision making. Assets currently identified in the Local List will be carried over into the new local list, their status will not change unless reviewed as part of the process outlined above.

Glossary

Amenity

A positive element or elements that contribute to the overall character or enjoyment of an area. For example, open land, trees, historic buildings and the inter-relationship between them.

Approved Documents

Approved Documents are official guidance documents published by the UK government to help ensure compliance with building regulations. They provide detailed advice on the performance expected of materials and building work, along with practical examples and solutions for common building situation

Article 4

A tool used by local planning authorities in the UK to control certain types of development that would otherwise be allowed without planning permission. This is particularly important in heritage and conservation areas to preserve their character and appearance.

Conservation Area

A designated region that is protected due to its natural, historical, or cultural significance. These areas are managed to preserve their unique features and biodiversity, often restricting certain activities to maintain their ecological integrity. Conservation areas can include national parks, wildlife reserves, and heritage sites.

Designated Asset

A site, building, or area that has been given legal protection due to its historical, architectural, or cultural significance. This designation ensures that the asset's character and importance are preserved through the planning system.

Development

Defined by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as "the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operation in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change of use of any building or other land." Most forms of development require planning permission, unless expressly granted planning permission via a development order.

Development Plan

This includes adopted Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans and is defined in Section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Planning Act 2004

Habitats Regulations Assessment

The process that competent authorities must undertake to consider whether a proposed development plan or programme is likely to have significant effects on a European site designated for its nature conservation interest.

Listing

Listing is a process used to identify and protect buildings of special architectural or historic interest, carried out by English Heritage

Listed Building

A structure recognized for its special architectural or historic interest and given legal protection to preserve its character.

Local List

A list of buildings, structures, or sites that are recognized by a local planning authority for their special architectural or historic interest. Unlike nationally designated heritage assets, such as listed buildings, local list entries do not have statutory protection. However, they are considered in the planning process to ensure their significance is taken into account when development proposals are made.

Local Plan

The plan for the development of the local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the Development Plan Documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Current core strategies or other planning policies, which under the regulations would be considered to be Development Plan Documents, form part of the Local Plan. This term includes old policies which have been saved under the 2004 Act.

Local Plan Strategy

Development Plan Document setting out the spatial vision and strategic objectives of the planning framework for an area, having regard to the Community Strategy.

Local Planning Authority

The local authority or council that is empowered by law to exercise planning functions. In the case of this SPD, the Local Planning Authority is Cheshire East Council.

Noin Designated Heritage Asset

A building, monument, site, place, area, or landscape identified as having heritage significance but does not meet the criteria for formal designation as a listed building, scheduled monument, or other protected status

Site Allocations and Development Policies Document

Part of the Local Plan which will contain land allocations and detailed policies and proposals to deliver and guide the future use of that land.

Supplementary Planning Document

A Local Development Document that may cover a range of issues, thematic or site specific, and provides further detail of policies and proposals in a 'parent' Development Plan Documents.

Sustainability Appraisal

An appraisal of the economic, environmental and social effects of a plan from the outset of the preparation process to allow decisions to be made that accord with sustainable development.

Strategic Environmental Appraisal

SEA is a process and a tool for evaluating the effects of proposed policies, plans and programmes on natural resources, social, cultural and economic conditions and the institutional environment in which decisions are made.

Appendices Comment

15.2 The First Draft Local List Supplementary Planning Document is accompanied by two appendices:

• Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report
• Equality Impact Assessment