Despite our name the AMS is concerned with the study and conservation of buildings of all periods and styles.

Under the 1968 Town and Country Planning Act we are recognised as one of the National Amenity Societies - which means we are informed of any application for listed building consent in England and Wales involving demolition.

What does this role entail?

Each week we receive at least one application for the total demolition of a listed building, and over one hundred which involve the loss of historic fabric. We play a vital role in commenting on such applications; preventing unnecessary destruction, opposing unsympathetic conversion, and championing sensitive new design in historic settings.

Matthew Saunders and Frank Kelsall between them handle over 5,000 such cases each year, of which several hundred will threaten total destruction. We offer comments on such applications by representations to local authorities and Government departments, and by giving evidence at public inquiries. In a majority of cases we are successful.

We also produce an annual Register of Listed Buildings Threatened with Applications to Demolish.

How can I find out about cases you have commented on?

The Society publishes three 60 page Newsletters which give a brief summary of key cases, and a 150 page volume of Transactions, in which such cases are discussed and illustrated in greater depth, each year. Newsletters and Transactions are mailed to all members as a benefit of membership; so to find out more please consider joining the Society. Back issues of the Transactions are available to purchase, and Newsletters can be sent out on request.

Volunteer to help

We welcome volunteers who are able to act as our local eyes and ears. If you have a basic knowledge of architectural history or conservation, your own transport, and a camera, you may wish to register as a volunteer. Contact the office for details.

The Society is immensely grateful for a substantial grant from English Heritage to enable it to perform its casework functions. We are grateful too for the annual subsidy from Cadw.