Local List Selection Criteria

The following assessment criteria are derived from those already 'commonly applied', as proposed in the current English Heritage guidance. The definitions the guidance offers are somewhat brief so we have suggested some further questions and examples of how to apply them to a potential site. Each criterion relates to a corresponding part of question 5 on the nomination form.

Age:

The age of an asset may be an important criterion (an age range can be selected and adjusted to take into account distinctive local characteristics)

Simply being 'old' is not a reason to list something and indeed some things that are more modern might also be of local interest or importance to list.

• There are many eras of development in Hastings; does the building/structure/landscape represent a noteworthy example of a type or style of development?
• Does the identified building/structure/landscape represent an important element in the development of the area?

Architect, designer and/or builder

There are many locally noteworthy examples of work by particular architects and builders and knowledge of this 'up front' will aid in the nomination of an asset. This may well also be referenced in later criteria

• Has the architect or designer and/or builder worked in a number of locations in the town?
• Has the architect or designer and/or builder gone on to build particularly important buildings else where?
• This information can be obtained from the local library, museum or potentially from Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) archives

Rarity

As judged against local characteristics: An appropriate criterion for all assets.

• Is the asset a unique or special example of its type?
• Is it locally distinctive?
• Are there few surviving examples of this type of asset locally?

Authenticity

Buildings or structures should be substantially unaltered and should retain the majority of their original features

• Does it remain in a substantial and recognisable form?
• Does it retain its historic features and layouts?

Architectural significance (and/or aesthetic value)

This considers the intrinsic design value of an asset relating to local styles, materials or any other distinctive local characteristics

• Does it show qualities of age, style or distinctive characteristics relative to the area?
• Is the surviving building/structure/park or garden the work of a particular architect or designer which illustrates local or regional architectural history or design?

Historic significance

This considers the historic value of the asset, this value or interest could be for a number of reasons, some of which are:

Evidential Value (existing written record): The significance of a local heritage asset of any kind may be increased by the existence of an extensive and/or important contemporary or historic written record

• Does a building/structure/landscape have an extensive archive, in either private or public ownership?
• Is it well documented in local travel guides or journals or newspapers?

Historic association

The significance of a local heritage asset of any kind may be increased by a significant historical association of local or national note, including links to important figures. Does it relate to an important aspect of local social, cultural, religious, political or economic history?

• Is it historically associated with an important local feature?
• Is it closely associated with: famous local people, local historic events, strong community or social development, significance or people? (Must be well documented and preferably published)
• Does it relate closely to any statutorily protected structure or site? e.g. is it in a conservation area or does it have Tree Preservation Order on it?

Archaeological interest

An appropriate reason to designate a locally significant asset may be on the grounds of archaeological interest - if the evidence is sufficiently compelling and if a distinct area can be identified

For example, some designed landscapes will have garden archaeology of relevance to their development

Townscape significance and Group Value

An asset with strong communal or historical associations, or because it has especially striking aesthetic value, may also function as a landmark within the local scene of townscape

• Does it provide an important visual amenity locally?
• For instance, does it make interesting use of visually significant sites and form a landmark?
• Is it a notable building on an important route into the area, which creates a vista or contributes to the skyline?
• Does it emphasise a corner site or provide focal points in the townscape?

Groups of assets might have a clear visual, design or historic relationship

For example, a number of public parks and gardens designed by a local parks superintendent together might demonstrate his range of work, even though some may not be worth listing in their own right. A local architects 'portfolio' of development might be of interest, even if individual buildings are not of particular heritage value in their own right,

Social and Communal Value

This helps identify places perceived as a source of local identity, distinctiveness, social interaction and coherence; the value of a place often lies in intangible aspects of heritage which contribute to the 'collective memory' of a place.