The local list

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council maintains a list of locally significant buildings and structures, known as non-designated heritage assets (NDHAs), in accordance with the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan (Policy EN4: historic environment).

This local list forms part of the council’s approach to managing the historic environment and should be read alongside the local plan policy and supporting text. It replaces the former supplementary planning document (SPD) relating to the local list, providing an up-to-date and clearly defined basis for identifying locally significant heritage assets.

While NDHAs do not benefit from the same statutory protection as nationally listed buildings designated by Historic England, they are material considerations in planning decisions. Their identification ensures that their significance is properly taken into account in line with national and local planning policy.

A local heritage asset is a building, structure, object, or place that the council identifies as having special local historic, architectural, archaeological, or cultural interest. This differs from a listed building, which is of national importance and designated by Historic England.

Please note:

All historic farmsteads are considered non-designated heritage assets.
Where an oast house is not a curtilage-listed structure, it is treated as a non-designated heritage asset by default.

What is “significance”?

“Significance” is a core principle of heritage planning policy, applying to both designated and non-designated heritage assets. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines significance as:

The value of a heritage asset to this and future generations because of its heritage interest.

This interest may be archaeological, architectural, artistic, or historic. Significance derives not only from an asset’s physical fabric but also from its setting.

“Setting” describes the surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. This may include:

Immediate physical surroundings
Wider views and landscape context
Historic relationships (for example, farmhouses and associated buildings, or estates and their designed landscapes)

Why are we creating this list?

The identification and management of non-designated heritage assets is required by the National Planning Policy Framework and is embedded locally through Policy EN4 of the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan.

This local list:

Supports implementation of local plan Policy EN4 by identifying heritage assets of local significance
Provides a clear and consistent evidence base for decision-making
Ensures that the impact of development proposals on locally important heritage assets is properly understood and considered
Replaces earlier supplementary guidance, consolidating the approach within the local plan framework

Inclusion on the local list does not prevent change, but it does mean that proposals affecting an asset or its setting should demonstrate how they have:

Conserved or enhanced its significance, and
Responded positively to its historic and architectural interest

How assets are identified

Heritage assets may be identified through:

Public nominations
The planning application process
The local plan process
Neighbourhood development plans
Conservation area appraisals

Community nominations

We welcome suggestions from residents, community groups, and local organisations.

If you would like to nominate a building or structure for inclusion on the local list, please email:
conservationconsultation@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Please provide as much supporting information as possible. All nominations will be assessed by conservation officers against the criteria below.

Assessment criteria

The council assesses potential local heritage assets using criteria informed by Historic England guidance. To be included, an asset should normally meet at least two of the following:

1. Architectural interest

Designed by a recognised architect or engineer
High-quality design, materials, or craftsmanship
Technological innovation
Locally distinctive building type or technique
Unusual form or decorative detail

2. Historic interest

Association with important people or events
Illustrates local historical development or land use
Rare or threatened building type or group
Literary or cultural associations
Archaeological value (including buried remains)

3. Townscape significance

Landmark or key feature in the local area
Contributes to the setting of designated heritage assets
Important in views, skyline, or townscape character
Group or aesthetic value
Part of planned layouts, parks, or gardens
Includes distinctive street furniture

4. Social and economic significance

Reflects the development of the settlement
Community or symbolic (“totemic”) value
Links to significant local industries
Cultural or community use
Representative or unusual domestic heritage

How the local list is maintained

There are two primary routes for inclusion:

Public nomination
Identification by conservation and urban design officers, including through planning and conservation work

Once assessed and approved, assets are:

Added to the local list
Published on the council’s website
Shown on the council’s GIS mapping system

The register is a live document and will be updated regularly.

Further information

For more information, please contact:
conservationconsultation@tunbridgewells.gov.uk