The list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest is a register recording the best of our architectural heritage. Protecting buildings of architectural and historic importance began later in Northern Ireland than in many European countries.
In 1931, the Athens Charter first laid down the agreed international principles of conservation and following on from that, a survey of the building stock in England was begun in 1947, partly in response to the losses incurred during World War II. The charter was reviewed and updated in 1964 as the Venice Charter and a re-survey began in England in 1968 with the original selection criteria revised.
In Northern Ireland there was limited awareness of the need for conservation of the historic heritage and this lack of awareness led to the loss of some significant buildings in the course of redevelopment. Statutory listing of buildings in Northern Ireland began in 1974.
During the First Survey, the listing criteria were constantly developed, as the information collated became more detailed. When the First Survey ended in 1994, it was decided to bring the earliest records up to the standard of the later records and to confirm that all the buildings on the list were of special architectural or historic interest. .
Why do we list?The list is compiled to allow easy identification and conservation of our architectural heritage. There are several important reasons for listing the best of our buildings. Historic buildings provide material evidence of how people lived in the past. They can provide a useful source of reference for architects designing contemporary architecture. Every era has produced buildings of artistic quality and listing protects the best examples. Distinguished buildings can provide a sense of place and help reinforce local and national identity.
What can be listed?It is a common misconception that only the front facade of a building is listed. Listing covers the complete interior and exterior of the building and can also extend to fixtures and free standing objects within the curtilage of the building. It is important to know the extent of the listing, particularly when determining whether listed building consent is required for works. Planning Service can advise on whether listed building consent is needed.
Listing is not just confined to conventional buildings. Practically any man-made structure can be listed and the present list demonstrates this. Fountains, memorials, town stocks and phone boxes are all included on the lists.
The listing criteriaThe overall test for assessing a building's 'listability' is whether or not it possesses special architectural or historic interest. The criteria set out below are intended to give guidance to the assessors to enable a consistent approach to be made and to enable others including owners and researchers to understand why a building has been deemed special enough to be protected.
The older a building is the fewer examples are likely to remain and the greater the historical perspective it allows. Each listed building will fall into one of the following categories.
a. All buildings pre 1830 that remain in a reasonably unaltered form
b. Buildings constructed between 1830 - 1935 of definite quality and character. Including the best works of principle architects.
c. Buildings constructed between 1935 - 1965, which can be considered outstanding.
Under architectural interest, consideration must be given to style, proportion, ornamentation, plan form, spatial organisation, structural system, innovatory qualities, degree of alteration, quality and survival of interiors, setting and group value.
Usually a listed building will meet some of the above criteria as well as being of historic interest. Where this is not the case, the historic associations must be strong and be based on the following factors:-
Copies of the list can be viewed in the Monuments and Buildings Record as well as in local libraries. District Councils and Divisional Planning Offices also hold copies of the list for their areas. The full First Survey list is available via the Northern Ireland Buildings Database and the Second Survey list is being added in an ongoing fashion
What does listing mean?The purpose of listing is to protect the character of a historic building and its setting. This does not mean that it must remain unchanged from the day it was listed. It is recognised that every building has to have a function for it to survive, and that some buildings must undergo changes of use that often necessitate alterations and extensions. The legislation, however, places the main responsibility for achieving its stated aims with the person who is best placed to take it - the owner.
Environment and Heritage Service can offer historic information and technical advice to owners. This can include advice on the acceptability of proposed works and information on historically correct materials and detailing. This is an advisory service and it is recommended that where an owner proposes to carry out works, consultants experienced in this specialist field be employed.
NB: The second survey also records the interior of the buildings but EHS does not publish this information due to security and privacy issues.