In recognition of this interest, and in order to ensure the character of these buildings is respected by development proposals affecting them, Wigan Council has decided to produce a Local List - Buildings of Local Interest (BLINTS). The Local List will include all of those buildings within the borough which are considered by the council to be of local architectural or historic interest.
To be included on the list, buildings must satisfy the criteria set out in the Council’s UDP. This was adopted in 2006 and sets out a range of criteria against which buildings are assessed.
How to make a nomination
The nomination period runs from 19 February 2008 to 31 August 2008. We have issued guidance on proposing buildings and structures for the local list.
You can make a nomination by completing the online nomination form. Guidance (.pdf, 547Kb) has been produced to explain how to submit a potential Building of Local Interest (BLINT) using the online nomination form and the computerised mapping system (GIS) published on this site.
Who is carrying out this project?
This project is being managed and led by the Council's Conservation and Design Team. We are, however, actively involving local people via the Township forums, parish Council and local heritage groups and it is these people who you are most likely to encounter in your local area.
They will be identifying the buildings within their areas which they consider worthy of inclusion on the list and will then send their nominations to us. We will then assess the nominations and the list will be put together accordingly.
Whilst local heritage groups, or townships will be viewing properties and taking selective photographs as part of the their work, they will not be entering onto private land and it is important to remember that they will not be acting for the council in any official capacity.
Any photographs must be taken from public land unless with owner's consent to enter private ground. When they submit these to the council, they will only be used for local list assessment and approval purposes. There is no requirement to view the interior of the property.
What does inclusion on the local list mean for you?
It is important to note that at this stage inclusion on the local list does not in fact change the existing planning controls that apply to a building already.
The local list will reinforce efforts to preserve the character and appearance of the buildings that will be included on it. It will enable the architectural or historic interest of these buildings to be properly considered against development proposals submitted to the council.
It will provide clarity for owners, the local community, developers and Planning Officers, so that they are aware of the interest of a building as early as possible.
Unless a building is statutory listed or within a conservation area, there is no control, under current legislation, over its demolition.
The Local list will simply back up our existing planning policies and guidance, adding weight to the consideration already given to the preservation of these buildings architectural and historic interest by development proposals.
