Heritage and Conservation

The Council does not make decisions about whether buildings should be listed. The 'List' of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest is a National Register, compiled by English Heritage. Any suggestions for the listing of buildings, or amendments to existing listings, should be made directly to English Heritage.

English Heritage has recently published a new set of webpages to assist with the following:

• Amending an entry on the National Register
• Nominate a Heritage Asset (suggest a listing)
• Consultation on new listings and amendments

Further general advice can be found here, as well as a frequently asked questions sheet.

Who do I seek expert advice from?

Local or national groups with an interest in buildings may be able to help you 'fill in' the gaps in your knowledge. A letter of support from them could very much increase your chances of getting the building listed.

National bodies in this field are:

• The Ancient Monuments Society is concerned with historic buildings of all ages and types, but with a particular interest in demolition cases, new design in the context of historic buildings and church matters
• The Council for British Archaeology is concerned with all historic buildings but with a particular interest in the archaeology of subterranean and standing structures
• The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings is concerned mainly with structures constructed before 1714, but also with the philosophical and technical aspects of conservation
• The Georgian Group is concerned with architecture and architecture related-arts between 1700 and 1837
• The Victorian Society is concerned with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and architecture-related arts between 1837 and 1914
• The Twentieth Century Society (formerly the Thirties Society) is concerned with architecture of the twentieth century, in all decades except the first
• SAVE Britain's Heritage

Local bodies and groups can also assist:

• Warwickshire County Museum may have further information regarding the history of the building. You can contact them directly on 01926 412278
• Atherstone Civic Society
• Coleshill & District Civic Society
• Polesworth Society

Further action to take

• Identify any threat to the building: if you are becoming aware that the building is becoming increasingly derelict, or if you know of any plans/proposals either to make drastic alterations to it; or to demolish it, you should include this information
• Take photographs: take photographs (using as skilled a photographer as possible) of the outside and the inside of the building. Include both general views and close-ups of interesting details
• Provide a plan: mark the precise position of the building and the boundary of its site on an Ordnance Survey map (1:1250 if possible)  when you have assembled the information outlined above, apply to English Heritage, with your supporting information.
• Nominate the Heritage Asset:

You can contact English Heritage at designation@english-heritage.org.uk.