Listed Buildings

If your chapel is listed, it means that it has been identified as one of the best or most important examples of Baptist chapels in the country. Its listed status marks the special contribution it makes to Baptist and local heritage, either through its association with notable events, people or groups, or as a unique example of architecture of its type or in the area.
 
To check whether your building is listed, and read the identification description given by the relevant authority, you can search the List in England, or the Register in Wales, or visit your local planning authority's website to find locally listed buildings and conservation areas.
 
Listing means that your building is protected by law, a measure put in place in order to safeguard its unique features and potential to yield information about the past for future generations. The duty of care associated with this that requires special permission called Listed Building Consent must be sought for works and alterations which may affect listed buildings' heritage value.
 
'Listing is not a preservation order, preventing change. It does not freeze a building in time, it simply means that listed building consent must be applied for in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its special interest.' - Historic England (read more)
 
Where alterations are undertaken without consent, or a listed building falls in to a poor state of repair, legal action may be taken requiring owners to undertake the remedial works necessary to bring the building back to a state which reflects its heritage value.
 
Explore the following sections for information and resources to help you get the best out of your listed building, not only as a heritage asset, but a resource to your community and mission.  You can also find leaflets about Listed Buildings in our Resource Library.