Bridgend Council is set to apply for the right to a faster process of approving listed building consents (pdf).
At the moment, the council needs to notify the historic environment agency, Cadw, of planning applications involving Grade II (the lowest graded) listed buildings.
Some examples of Grade II listed buildings in the county include the original Brunel elements of Bridgend Railway Station, Hope Baptist Church in Bridgend (pictured), Carnegie House/former Bridgend libary, Salem Chapel in Pencoed, Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion and Maesteg Post Office.
As of 2019, Cadw has invited planning authorities to apply to remove this requirement, which the report says is “time-consuming and resource-intensive….for both Cadw and the local planning authority”.
If the council’s application is successful then it would “strengthen local decision making” and make the planning process more efficient.
In practical terms, if you live in – or are proposing a development/alteration to – a Grade II listed building, then the planning process should become quicker. That’s because decisions would be made by the council’s planning department alone and they wouldn’t have to wait for Cadw to be notified and/or have their say.
To support the application, Bridgend Council would need to demonstrate that they have the necessary expertise and processes in place. They do have one of the key requirements in the form of a specialist Conservation & Design Officer in BCBC’s Communities Directorate.
Cadw would still have to be notified of proposals relating to the demolition of listed buildings or works to Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings.
