South Ayrshire Local Plan

Listed Buildings

Some 790 buildings within South Ayrshire are listed by Historic Scotland as being of special architectural or historic interest. This list identifies properties which are afforded special statutory (legal) protection. The list is divided into:

1.         Category A listed buildings, which are of national importance;
2.         Category B listed buildings, which are of regional importance; and
3.         Category C(s) listed buildings, which are of local importance.

Approximately half of all of the listed buildings and structures are located within the urban area of Ayr, reflecting its historic role as a county town. However, the process of listing buildings recognises the historical and architectural importance of smaller, or more simple buildings, both within, and outwith settlements. This means that small rural cottages, farm buildings and traditional agricultural or industrial properties may also be afforded status and protection.

The Council recognises the value of listed buildings in terms of their heritage value, but also recognises their potential economic and social benefits to the community as a whole. Consequently, the Council will advise and encourage owners to undertake appropriate maintenance and repair to such properties.

POLICY BE2*

The Council will presume in favour of protecting listed buildings and their settings, especially from inappropriate development and will actively encourage the sensitive maintenance, restoration and re-use of all such properties.

NOTE
Proposals affecting a listed building shall be expected to be of a quality commensurate with that of the original building and any proposal for the demolition of a listed building will normally only be considered when in association with the assessment of detailed redevelopment proposals and where it is demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that every effort has been exerted by all concerned to find a practical way of keeping the building.