GOVERNING REUSE
Changes to the built environment can be controlled by local planning policies or by acts of parliament. These guidelines are stipulated by local planning departments or bodies such as English Heritage.
In order to protect buildings from being demolished and ensure their preservation, buildings can be awarded listed status. Principles of Selection for Listed Buildings (2010) describes how these designated buildings or monuments, are added to the list of buildings compiled under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. This does not mean that a structure cannot be altered, but brings it under the consideration of the planning system and would require applying for listed building consent and compliance with government planning guidance (Historicengland.org.uk, 2016).
Historic England (2016) outline criteria for a building being considered for listing as:
Age and rarity: most buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most of those built between 1700 and 1840.
Architectural interest: buildings which are nationally important for the interest of their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also important examples of particular building types and techniques.
Historic interest: this includes buildings which illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history.
Close historical association with nationally important people or events.
Group value, especially where buildings are part of an important architectural or historic group or are a fine example of planning (such as squares, terraces and model villages).
(Historicengland.org.uk, 2016)
Buildings which do not have this status do not have as tight restrictions on their reuse, but would still have to apply for the permission of their local council.