Minutes:
The Chairperson welcomed Mr. G. Sloan, Assistant Director, Historic Environment Division from the Department for Communities Heritage Buildings Designation Branch.
Mr. Sloan provided a brief overview of the purpose of the Historic Environment Division (HED) and advised that the listing of buildings was underpinned by legislation. He informed the Committee that address information of all listed buildings could be found in the Northern Ireland Buildings Database on the HED website together with detailed descriptions and evaluations of all buildings listed and unlisted, which had been surveyed in detail since 1997.
He highlighted that Section 80(7) of the 2011 Planning Act stated:
· ‘In this Act "listed building" meant that a building which was, for the time being, included in a list compiled under this section; and, for the purposes of the provisions of this Act related to listed buildings, the following should be treated as part of the building:
Ø any object or structure within the curtilage of the building
and fixed to the building; and
Ø any object or structure within the curtilage of the building
which, although not fixed to the building, formed part of the
land and had done so since before 1st October, 1973.’
He advised that the First Survey of Listed Buildings had been undertaken from 1969 to 1995 and the SecondSurvey had commenced in 1997. He informed the Committee that the Second Survey was more comprehensive and included detailed records, both written and photographic, and also compiled historical research. He pointed out that its decisions were based upon clearly established criteria and that the process was as follows:
· A desktop exercise using historic maps etc. to identify potential listings;
· On-the-ground scoping survey of an area;
· Initial group evaluation to establish the need for a survey;
· Survey and record;
· Group evaluation to determine proposed listing;
· Statutory consultation with the Historical Buildings Council (HBC) and appropriate local council;
· Evaluation of responses and representations; and
· Director sign-off.
He advised that clarification of the Department’s interpretation of the legislative criteria was set out in detail in Annex C of Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS 6) and explained how the Department interpreted the legislative criteria of: Architectural Interest; Historic Interest; Group Value; and Features and Structures. He pointed out that standards were establish under the following grading system:
· Grade A - Buildings of national importance including both outstanding grand buildings and the fine, little altered examples of some important style or date;
· Grade B+ - High quality buildings that because of exceptional features, interiors or environmental qualities were clearly above the general standard set by grade B1 buildings. Also, buildings which might have merited Grade A status but for detracting features such as an incomplete design, lower quality additions or alterations;
· Grade B1 - good examples of a particular period or style. A degree of alteration or imperfection of design might be acceptable. Generally B1 – buildings that qualify for listing by virtue of a relatively wide selection of attributes; and
· Grade B2 - buildings which meet the test of the legislation, but exhibit a degree of alteration or imperfection of design.
He also provided an overview of the statutory engagement in the listing process as follows:
· Statutory consultations were made to the Historic Buildings Council (HBC) and the local council;
· The council and HBC are given an overview at the commencement of a new area survey;
· HBC receives a full evaluation report of each record in advance of its (monthly) meeting;
· A presentation, including exterior and interior images, of each proposed listing or delisting is made at the HBC meeting;
· HBC discusses and votes on each proposed listing;
· At the same time as the HBC, the local council is given a six-week consultation period;
· Council and HBC advice (which should be based on the listing criteria) does not determine grading;
· HED considers the local council, HBC and other representations;
· Recommendation would be made to the Director;
· Director might agree, disagree or seek further information on the recommendation; and
· Council and HBC are informed of the final outcome.
During discussion, Members were apprised of further information regarding the potential of grants for maintenance of listed buildings, listed building consent, the rights of owners of listed buildings, right of access (statutory provision), the weight of the Council’s opinion and the anticipated time period for completion of the Second Survey.
After discussion, the Chairperson thanked Mr. Sloan for attending and the Committee noted the information which had been provided.
(Councillor Bunting entered the Committee meeting at this point.)