Listed buildings

Listed Buildings

Listing marks and celebrates a building's special architectural and historic interest, and also brings it under the consideration of the planning system, so that it can be protected for future generations.
The older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed.
All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most of those built between 1700 and 1840. Particularly careful selection is required for buildings from the period after 1945. Usually a building has to be over 30 years old to be eligible for listing.

How does the listing process work?
There are two main routes to listing:
1. Anyone can nominate a building to be listed and
2. We have our own strategic programme of listing priorities
In both cases we make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) based on Principles of selection for listed buildings and they make the final decision as whether a site should be listed or not.

How do I find out if a property is listed?
The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) contains details of all listed buildings in England. To find out if a property is listed just Search the List. - https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/what-is-designation/listed-buildings/

Categories of listed buildings
• Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I
• Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*
• Grade II buildings are of special interest; 91.7% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner.
Surprisingly the total number of listed buildings is not known, as one single entry on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) can sometimes cover a number of individual units, such as a row of terraced houses. However, we estimate that there are around 500,000 listed buildings on the NHLE.

How will listing affect me?
Listing is not a preservation order, preventing change. It does not freeze a building in time, it simply means that listed building consent must be applied for in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its special interest.

Repairs

Regular maintenance and "like for like" repairs do not need listed building consent, but this would be required if the repairs include removal of historic material or changes to its character. For example, internal alterations that include removal of historic doors, fireplaces or plasterwork or replacement of external doors or windows would require consent. However, repainting or redecoration, installing new bathroom or kitchen fittings would not normally need consent.

Painting and internal decorating does not need Listed Building Consent but any external painting may require consent as it may affect the character of the Listed Building. Replacement of modern kitchen and bathroom fittings does not require consent. Refurbishment involving the removal of internal features, such as doors, fireplaces, plasterwork, panelling or other historic fittings constitutes alterations and listed building consent is required before work is carried out.

What can I do with my listed building?
Listed buildings are to be enjoyed and used, like any other building. Listed buildings can be altered, extended and sometimes even demolished within government planning guidance. The local authority uses listed building consent to make decisions that balance the site's historic significance against other issues, such as its function, condition or viability.
You can find planning information on making changes to listed buildings and links to grant information via the Your Home section.