Mechanical signal boxes originated from the 1850s and were once
plentiful. Many are now redundant or have disappeared. Signal boxes are considered
culturally signifi cant, hence some boxes are statutorily protected. Listed Building
Consent is often guided by the adoption of a standard international conservation
philosophy as laid down in the Burra Charter. The main reusers of redundant
mechanical signalling are the United Kingdom ’ s many preserved steam railway
societies. Actions to listed signal boxes often confl icts with accepted building
conservation practice, indicating that signal boxes might be considered a special
case. Accepted practice is established by analysis of the terms required for listing
buildings, the philosophy proposed by the Burra Charter and the terms of Policy
Planning Guidance No.15 in respect of gaining planning permission for changes
to historic buildings. Investigation of case studies, visits to preserved steam lines
and documented evidence of railway conservator attitudes to signal boxes are
used to establish communality or variance from standard building conservation
approaches. The article concludes that action to listed signal boxes by preserved
railway societies often does not follow standard philosophy. It discusses why that
might be so, and if this is because of the signal box ’ s involvement in wider railway
operation and position within the larger picture of railway heritage.

• Conservation of culturally signifi cant mechanical signal boxes: Should they be considered as being historic buildings or a part of wider railway heritage
• Conservation of culturally signifi cant mechanical signal boxes: Should they be considered as being historic buildings or a part of wider railway heritage