While the effect of the statutory listing of a building of special architectural or historic interest is well known, local listing may not be so widely understood.
Unlike with a statutory listing, it is not a criminal offence to carry out unauthorised works to a locally listed building or structure. But, proposals to demolish such a building will meet with strong policy resistance from the planning authority.
Local listing could become another tool in the kit of those seeking to prevent development, along with Town or Village Green applications and the provisions of the Localism Act (soon to come into force) which prevent the disposal of land or buildings which are claimed to be community assets.
English Heritage have published a Good Practice Guide for Local Heritage Listing which can be accessed here.
