Listed Buildings

Listed Buildings

There are currently around 233 listed buildings, and structures in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough, ranging from impressive viaducts to humbler terrace houses, and even smaller structures such as mile posts or pillar boxes.

Listed buildings are protected by being on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.  These buildings are considered to be nationally important, and most of them are in private ownership.  This list is put together by Cadw, which is the organisation responsible for the historic built environment in Wales and part of the Welsh Government.

Listed Buildings are classified in to three grades; the grade indicates the importance of the building or structure:

• Grade I – Buildings of exceptional, national interest . Two per cent of the Listed Building stock is Grade I.  Cyfarthfa Castle is currently the only Grade 1 listed building in the County Borough.
• Grade II* - Particularly important buildings of more than just special interest; Grade II* buildings account for four per cent of the Listed Building stock.
• Grade II – Buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them; ninety-four per cent of Listed Building stock is Grade II.

Listed Building Consent

Consent will be required for works which will alter the appearance of the listed building; this will include external, internal, structural and decorative works. Listed Building Consent also extends to any object or structure fixed to the building, as well as to any object or structure within the curtilage of the building in-situ before the 1st July 1948.

The requirement for a Listed Building Consent application is detached from any requirement for Planning Permission or Building Regulations approval. These will need to be obtained separately, if required.

Any works to a Listed Building without the relevant consent is a criminal offence, and may incur a fine of up to £20,000 and/or up to 12 months imprisonment. The Council will take enforcement action against unauthorised development on Listed Buildings, where it is considered expedient to do so.

Owners and developers should contact the Council's Design, Heritage and Conservation Officer before carrying out any work to a Listed Building to ensure that the need for Listed Building Consent has been considered.

To view all Heritage assets within the borough, click on our Heritage Map.

Locally Listed Buildings

The Local List is a building or structure within the County Borough which is considered by the public, and Council to be an important part of Merthyr Tydfil’s heritage due to its architectural, historic or archaeological significance. Locally Listed Buildings are considered to contribute to the environmental and cultural heritage of the County Borough.  The Council, via development proposals, will seek to preserve and enhance these important buildings.

If you would like to suggest a building to be Locally Listed contact the Council’s Design, Heritage and Conservation Officer.

To view all Heritage assets within the borough, click on our Heritage Map.