Locally listed buildings

Southend has a wide range of historic buildings and structures. Those which are nationally important are included in the government's statutory list of 'buildings of special architectural or historic interest'. These 'listed buildings' are given legal protection. But we also have other historic buildings which are locally important. These are included in our non-statutory local list.

The purpose of the local list is to identify buildings, structures and monuments of local architectural or historic importance and to take action as far as possible to preserve them. About 150 are on the local list ranging from houses, shops and schools to transport structures and townscape features such as post boxes and shelters. For further information on which buildings in the city are locally listed please see our directory of locally listed buildings.

How buildings are locally listed

We review the local list from time to time and will consider requests to add buildings to it. To be included, the building must either:

• demonstrate the city's history, particularly during its main period of growth. This includes buildings important for its social history such as schools, churches, public buildings, leisure, entertainment and commercial buildings
• have architectural interest - be designed by a well-known architect, be a good example of a particular style or period, contain good architectural features or be important for the townscape

The building should not already be on the government' statutory list.

The building's age and original use are important factors. Most pre-Victorian buildings which substantially survive are included. The major civic and cultural buildings of the Victorian and Edwardian eras are also included. Buildings built after 1914 are included only if they are especially noteworthy.

Planning control

Policies for locally listed buildings are in our planning policy documents.

Locally listed buildings do not have the statutory protection afforded to listed buildings but nonetheless make an important contribution to Southend's historic character and distinctiveness and consequently need to be conserved. A building's locally listed status will be a material consideration for all planning applications affecting it and, as with listed buildings, applications involving loss or harm to locally listed building will normally be resisted although a balanced judgement will be made, having regard to the scale of any harm or loss, the significance of the asset and any public benefits.

Proposals for locally listed building should pay special regard to:

• preserving or restoring features which contribute to their character especially where they are visible from the street
• maintaining their scale and proportions
• preserving their setting
• using appropriate materials.

This does not mean the building has to be preserved exactly as it is, but that any alterations should be carried out in a sympathetic manner.