Statements of Significance
A Statement of Significance is a detailed description of the development of a building and its life.
It is factual, making an objective and informed assessment of the relative merits or ‘significance’ of aspects or features. These can be physical features, or aspects of social or historical significance, such as famous people associated with the building, memorials or events that happened nearby.
Links & Downloads
A Statement will help you understand and care for what you have and make informed decisions about any proposed changes. It should draw on related sources such as the listing description, scheduling, historic environment records etc. for core material. More information about accessing these sources is available as you go through the toolkit.
It is also a ‘live’ document, in that the importance or significance of some elements will change through time. You are therefore encouraged to keep your Statement of Significance up-to-date, reflecting not only recent changes or additions but also new discoveries about the building's past.
Why is a Statement of Significance needed?
A Statement of Significance must accompany any application for consent that proposes significant changes to a listed place of worship, whether through the Listed Building Consent process operated by local authorities or through the denominational Advisory systems of the Baptist Union, Methodist, United Reformed and Roman Catholic Churches and the Church of England. However, such statements are useful aids for decision-making in all denominations and faiths. Done well, it will be an invaluable record of your place of worship against which you can assess the likely impact of ideas for physical changes, new projects or new uses – helping you work out ways to minimise any adverse effects.
Next Steps
Follow the links on the right and download the help.
