Heritage assets in Gateshead

Gateshead has a rich and varied historic environment, which includes a collection of heritage assets of local, regional and national importance which make a significant contribution to the current and future quality of life in the Borough such as conservation areas, listed building and the local list, archaeology, historical parks and battlefields.

Visit the Tyne and Wear Sitelines (opens new window) and you can view local designations; including conservation areas and the Local List; as well as all known archaeological records through the Tyne and Wear Historic Environment Record (HER).

The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) (opens new window) is a database of all listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, protected wrecks and registered parks, gardens and battlefields.

Policy and legislation

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (opens new window) sets out the Government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It provides a framework within which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own local and neighbourhood plans that reflect the needs and priorities of their communities. The NPPF sets out 12 core land-use planning principles which should underpin both plan-making and decision-taking.

Get supporting advice available from the Department for Communities and Local Government. (opens new window)

Heritage at risk

The Historic Environment is a resource which once lost, cannot be replaced. It is important to understand the risks facing different types of heritage assets, and how those risks could be managed proactively, to protect and conserve the heritage asset in a manner which is appropriate for its significance.

Nationally, Historic England maintains a Heritage at Risk Register (opens new window) which covers all designated heritage assets except grade II listed buildings (but it does include grade II Churches and buildings in London). Heritage assets are assessed on the basis of their condition and where applicable, their occupancy. Archaeological remains, parks, gardens, battlefields and conservation areas are also assessed on their vulnerability.

Characterisation studies

There are three significant historic environment characterisation studies which cover parts of, or all of the Borough.

Bensham and Saltwell Urban Landscape Characterisation (prepared by North of England Civic Trust).

'Made in Gateshead' - a comprehensive urban landscape characterisation of the Borough prepared in conjunction with the Local Plan in 2011. It is a comprehensive study of the characteristics of the different neighbourhoods and areas which make up the Borough of Gateshead.

Tyne and Wear Historic Landscape Characterisation Study (opens new window) (joint project by Newcastle University and Newcastle City Council, funded by Historic England), 2014.

Blue plaques

There are over 30 commemorative plaques located around the Borough, which highlight historic buildings, structures, people and events from the past. Find out more about the commemorative plaques.

Heritage open days

Heritage Open Days in Tyne and Wear takes place over four days every September and gives the public the chance, free of charge, to visit or take part in buildings, tours, walks, talks and events, all celebrating the amazing, vibrant and diverse heritage of the region.

Visit Heritage open days (opens new window) for full details.