York’s Local Heritage List

A Local Heritage List for York was established in 2005.  It is a list of heritage assets such as buildings, views, street furniture and spaces, that have local importance but are not considered to be of such importance to be nationally listed (as in a Grade II* building, say).

Local heritage assets, which are sometimes called ‘non-designated heritage assets’, contribute to the special local architectural and historic character of the area and are valued by the community.  Without a formally approved Local Plan in York, nominations on the Local Heritage List cannot be given planning protection on a similar footing as nationally-Listed heritage assets, but are still taken as a consideration in planning applications.

If you have any comments relating to the Local List, such as threats to any buildings that are on it, or perhaps heritage that you think should be added to it – please contact us on info@yorkcivictrust.co.uk

The Banana Warehouse, a 1920s warehouse with imperial connections in need of some TLC, and part of the York Local Heritage List.

York Civic Trust is excited to have become the custodian of York’s Local Heritage List since 2018.  We are currently working with local campaigners and organisations to explore how the Local List can be better known in our communities, how it might better represent heritage valued by the communities of York, and ultimately how it can be formerly approved by City of York Council.  In preparation of this, York Civic Trust has commissioned a series of recent reports – a review and assessment of current planning protection – to appraise the current draft Local List, and what protection is offered by a Local List in planning terms.

The Trust is now looking to relaunch the Local Heritage List with a city-wide consultation as part of a 3-4 year programme in working with all of York’s communities.

Local Heritage Lists are often filled up with buildings.  But they can be street furniture, fabric, views and vista, too.  York’s Local Heritage List includes York’s scoria stable blocks or bricks, made from blast slag from foundries in Middlesborough, they are uniquely found in York’s back lanes.