Local heritage assets

As a planning authority we can identify certain local interest heritage buildings which are not designated nationally.

Local heritage assets may include:

  • buildings and structures 
  • local character areas
  • archaeological sites
  • landscapes or landscape features

Non-designated heritage assets are those we identify as having a degree of significance because of their local heritage interest. They are not otherwise protected by formal designation.

Criteria for identifying non-designated heritage assets

We have set our local criteria for non-designated heritage assets, which has been developed to be consistent with national policy.

Read our Non-designated Heritage Asset Criteria (PDF File, 1,628kb).

To identify the many different types of assets found within our district’s historic environment, we’ve brought together guidance contained in various heritage-related publications, including Historic England’s listed building selection guides and local listing best practice guidance.

As part of the Criteria, we are preparing a Local Heritage List to celebrate historic buildings, archaeological sites and designed landscapes which enrich and enliven their area. Members of the public can nominate buildings and features to be included on the Draft Heritage List by completing our online nomination form.

Areas of special local character

Many settlements within Newark and Sherwood have a historic core that can easily be identified. This is apparent through the presence of early structures such as medieval churches, manor houses or industrial sites such as mills.

Often these settlements contain tightly bound road patterns around the centre that still survive today. There are many examples of local character areas with medieval origins and there may be other local character areas with significance as post-medieval planned settlements such as estate or colliery villages.

The legibility and integrity of these areas is an important factor in determining whether these areas have special local character.

War memorials

Commemorative structures including memorials, statues, funerary monuments, gravestones, tombs and plaques are of considerable importance both in terms of their contribution to local identity and their aesthetic qualities.

You’ll find such memorials in most communities. They’re constructed in a variety of different designs and materials and for a variety of purposes. Some are given statutory protection through listing or being set close to listed buildings, but a large number of non-designated commemorative structures contribute significantly to the character and history of the area.

Our war memorial survey (PDF File, 8,574kb) lists the outdoor memorials in the district.

These structures can be viewed as representations of the artistic styles and social values of the time. They also provide a physical link to the past, and often provide valuable insight as to the importance or status of the person or people commemorated.

Local heritage assets and planning permission

In cases where planning permission is required for the redevelopment of a site, the loss of a non-designated heritage asset forms part of the decision-making process. In accordance with paragraph 197 of the National Planning Policy Framework, a judgement should be made that balances the impact on the heritage asset and the scale of the harm to it.

Find out more about planning and heritage assets.