Heritage at Risk
Heritage at Risk
The Heritage at Risk Register tells communities about the condition of their local neighbourhood and sets out the heritage assets in Rotherham considered to be at risk. Understanding the overall state of the borough's heritage assets helps identify those that are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development. It also helps prioritise and direct limited resources towards areas where they may be most effective in improving the condition of heritage assets.
Rotherham has a rich tapestry of built heritage, spread across the borough, covering a vast range of building types and structures, both large and small in scale, many of which are designated nationally. These sites are often in prominent locations and help to establish or reinforce a settlement’s sense of place.
The majority of the borough’s built heritage is in good condition, being occupied and well maintained. However, in some cases, these ‘heritage assets’ can fall into disuse or disrepair.for a variety of reasons.In these circumstances, the buildings and structures are identified as being ‘at risk’. Heritage ‘at risk’ can impact on local communities and the environment in which we live – not only are there the visual signs of neglect, but there can also be social, economic and public safety concerns too.
How are buildings and sites identified as being ‘at risk’?
Heritage ‘at risk’ within the borough is monitored by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Historic England. Historic England monitor Scheduled Monuments, Grade I and Grade II* Listed Buildings, Grade II listed places of worship and Conservation Areas at risk. Rotherham Council also monitors these in addition to all other Grade II Listed Buildings, which locally make up the vast majority of built heritage.
Heritage assets ‘at risk’ are assessed in accordance with nationally set criteria produced by Historic England. This ensures continuity between the national and local registers. When assessing a heritage asset, consideration is given to the level of risk to the structure, looking at its external appearance, occupancy and vulnerability. The categories range from A (in very poor condition) to F (repairs in progress). The risk scale is as follows:
- Category A: Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed.
- Category B: Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; solution agreed, not yet implemented.
- Category C: Slow decay; no solution agreed.
- Category D: Slow decay; solution agreed but not yet implemented.
- Category E: Under repair or in fair to good repair, but no user identified; or under threat of vacancy with no obvious new user (applicable only to buildings capable of beneficial use).
- Category F: Repair scheme in progress and (where applicable) end use or user identified; functionally redundant buildings with new use agreed but not yet implemented.
Grade I and II* Listed Buildings, Grade II places of worship, Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Registered Park & Gardens and Conservation Areas are monitored annually by Historic England. Those buildings/sites considered to be ‘at risk’ are entered onto a National Heritage at Risk Register, updated each year.
In July 2021, the Rotherham Heritage at Risk Strategy and Register was adopted. The strategy sets out the Council’s approach to tackling heritage ‘at risk’ across the borough. The accompanying register provides an up to date assessment of heritage at risk.
It is the Council’s intention to annually update the Register to take account of any significant developments. The Register is currently under review and the updated version will be published shortly.
Heritage at Risk Register – February 2021
In addition to the online Register, the Planning Policy team holds more detailed background information. This includes heritage assets that have been ‘lost’ or ‘saved’ over the last few decades. These lessons are important and will support continuity of service for the future.
If you would like more details of this information, please contact us using the form below.