Heritage

We are fortunate in having a wealth of buildings and areas of historic or architectural significance in our district.

Buildings at risk

Historic buildings which are known to be 'at risk' through neglect and decay, or vulnerable to becoming so, are added to a Buildings at Risk register.

Non-designated heritage assets

A heritage asset is defined as a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest.

Listed buildings

A listed building is a building that is of special architectural or historic interest that has been designated by the Secretary of State.

Historic parks and gardens

There are fourteen parks and gardens in the East Suffolk District included on the National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest compiled by Historic England.

Conservation areas

Conservation areas are defined in the Town and Country Planning Acts as "areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".

Historic Building Grant Scheme

This scheme can provide a financial contribution of up to £1500 for maintenance and repairs of historic windows and doors in areas covered by Article 4 Directions.

Our Design and Heritage Team are responsible for the care and protection of these heritage assets and they:

  • deal with enquiries on design and conservation matters
  • give pre-application advice to owners or agents concerning proposals for changes affecting officially designated historic buildings and areas
  • give design and conservation advice to the council's planning officers on development proposals affecting officially designated historic buildings and areas
  • give design advice on major development sites, whether or not in officially designated historic areas
  • carry out conservation area appraisals and prepare and, where appropriate, implement management proposals
  • assist the planning policy team in the preparation of conservation policies
  • identify candidates for or non-designated heritage asset status
  • monitor the condition of historic buildings in the district and, where appropriate, add buildings to the Buildings at Risk Register
  • deal with unauthorised works to listed buildings