How we deal with neglected listed buildings
In certain cases of deliberate neglect or long term vacancy, a listed building is put on the register of buildings at risk. The register is drawn up by English Heritage for Grades I, Grade II and and Grade II*.
Some councils publish lists that include buildings of all grades but, at present, there are not considered to be any in Luton. These lists bring together information on all listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments known to be at risk from neglect, decay or redundancy.
Monitoring and solutions
A council monitors buildings at risk and seeks long term solutions for neglected, redundant or derelict listed buildings. Some of the buildings are the subject of refurbishment proposals and will be removed from the register when works are complete.
Works notices
We have legal powers to serve an urgent works notice or repairs notice on a listed building owner, requiring repair works to be carried out to prevent further decay. The notice will specify the works that are considered reasonably necessary for the preservation of the building.
An urgent works notice is restricted to emergency repairs only For example, works to keep a building wind and weather-proof and secure against vandalism.
A repairs notice is not restricted to urgent works and may include works to preserve architectural details but cannot be used to restore lost features.
In extreme cases where building owner has not taken reasonable steps to preserve a listed building, we can either:
- do the work at the owner's cost
- compulsorily purchase a building at risk