Listed buildings

What is a listed building?

A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of national historical or architectural interest.

It is included on a register called the 'List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest', under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. In the Act any object or structure fixed to the building and any object or structure within the curtilage of the building, which although not fixed to the building, forms part of the land and has done so since before 1st July 1948 are also treated as part of the listed building.

How do I find out if a building is listed?
Follow the link at the bottom of the page to Heritage Gateway’s website to search for listed buildings.

What are the different grades of listing?
Listed buildings are placed in one of three grades, which give an indication of their relative importance - grade I, grade II* or grade II. Grade I and II* listed buildings are a small proportion (about 6% nationally) of all listed buildings. They are particularly important to the nation's built heritage as buildings of outstanding architectural or historic interest. The remaining buildings are listed Grade II and represent an important part of our built heritage which is given special protection.

Grading can be changed where re-evaluation takes place after damage or alteration, or as more evidence of a building's history or architectural quality comes to light. But the statutory controls on alterations apply equally to all listed buildings whatever the grade.

What are the criteria for listing?
The following are the main criteria, which English Heritage uses in deciding which buildings to include on the statutory list:

• Architectural interest: Buildings of importance because of their design, decoration and craftsmanship; also important examples of particular building types and techniques and building of significant plan forms;
• Historic Interest: Illustrations of important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history;
• Historic Association: Close historical association with nationally important people or events;
• Group value: especially where buildings comprise an important architectural or historic group or a fine example of planning e.g. squares, terraces or model villages.

The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to have historic importance. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed and most buildings built between 1700 and 1840 are listed. Buildings erected after 1840 may be listed where they are, the best examples of particular building types and only buildings of definite quality and character are listed. Buildings that are less than 30 years old, are normally listed only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat. Buildings are not listed until they are at least 10 years old.

How is a building listed?
A building is added to the list in one of 3 ways:
- Periodic re-survey of a borough or district
- Studies of particular building types e.g. post-war
- Spot listing of individual buildings under threat.

There is no requirement to consult the owners before a building is listed
but unless an inspector is aware of a specific threat, they will contact the owner or leave a visiting card. There is also no right of appeal against
a listing and no right to compensation for loss of redevelopment opportunities.

How can I get a building listed or delisted?
English Heritage will consider a request to review a listing providing the request is accompanied by new evidence relating specifically to the architectural or historic interest of the building. Evidence about a building's condition and cost of repairing or maintaining it or redevelopment plans cannot be considered by English Heritage.

You do not need to be the owner of a building. English Heritage does not normally consider a request for de-listing when:

• There is a current application for listed building consent relating to the building
• There is an appeal against refusal of consent
• If any legal action is being taken the Local Authority.

Any request for a listing review should be accompanied by:

• A justification for adding (or deleting) a building
• Location plan
• Clear up-to-date photographs
• Any other historical information on the building.

There is no requirement to consult the owners before a building is listed but unless an inspector is aware of a specific threat, they will contact the owner or leave a visiting card. There is also no right of appeal against a listing and no right to compensation for loss of redevelopment opportunities.

For more information please follow the link at the bottom of this page to English Heritage's Website.

What information does listing include?
The Statutory List includes a description of each building, which may refer to some, but not all, important features of an historic building. Every part a building is listed, including the interior and any later alterations or additions.

Even if a feature (internal or external) is not included on the description, it does not mean that it is not of interest and it is still part of the listed building.

What are the effects of listing?
You will need the Council's consent to demolish a listed building or for any alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of architectural or historic interest. The need for listed building consent is different from planning permission but the process is very similar.

It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a listed building without prior listed building consent - even if you did not know that the building was listed. Carrying out unauthorised work is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the Council can require you to put the building back the way it was.

How do I apply for Listed Building Consent?
Please follow the link at the bottom of this page to the Planning section of the website where you can download an application forms and find guidance information.

Buildings at Risk
For more information on Buildings at Risk please follow the link at the bottom of this page.

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