About listed buildings and the list
Most buildings were listed in the national re-survey of listed buildings which began in 1970, and has just been completed. Additions to the list can still be made to take account of buildings or structures that may have been overlooked. This process can take several weeks, or, in an emergency, less than a day. The procedure is known as spot listing, and these buildings have the same status as other listed buildings.
How are buildings chosen for listing?
The main criteria used are:
- architectural interest: all buildings which are nationally important for the interest of their architectural design, decoration and craftsmanship; also important examples of particular building types and techniques, and significant plan forms
- historic interest: this includes buildings which illustrate important aspects of the nation's social, economic, cultural or military history
- close historical association with nationally important buildings or events
- group value, especially where buildings comprise an important architectural or historic unity or are a fine example of planning (such as squares, terraces and model villages)
The older and rarer 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 built between 1700 and 1840. After that date the selection criteria becomes much more stringent with time. This is because of the increased number of buildings erected and the much larger numbers which have survived, so that post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed.
Buildings less than 30 years old are very rarely listed, and only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat.
More information can be found on Historic England's website.
Impact of listing
When a building is listed, it is recognised as being of special architectural or historical interest or both, and its details become part of a public record. Most significantly, the building is immediately protected by law, and any changes including demolition, alterations and extensions to it must first receive listed building consent.
Even relatively minor works like painting may affect the character of a listed building and it is therefore advisable to contact our conservation team before starting any works.
All of the building inside and out is listed. There is no such thing as just a listed facade or listed interior - although many people think this is the case. The description in the official list is not intended to provide a comprehensive record of all the features of importance - but primarily to identify the building.
Anything fixed to a listed building is also listed. Any structure in the grounds which was there before 1948 (even if not fixed to the listed building) is itself listed as a curtilage structure. This includes boundary walls, gates and garden walls.
The setting of a listed building is often an important factor when new development or extensions are being considered.
Listing does not mean that a building is mothballed. What it does seek to do is ensure that any alterations respect the character of the building, and that the case for its preservation is fully taken into account when any redevelopment proposals are considered. The system of listed building consent is a flexible one - over 90% of applications result in permission being granted.
Under section 9 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 it is a criminal offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without consent and the penalties for this can be heavy.
It is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and you can be required to undo harmful alterations. We will take any unauthorised works to a listed building very seriously and will pursue prosecution where appropriate.
About the lists
The lists are registers recording the best buildings, but they comprise a wide variety of structures from castles to milestones. Listed buildings are an important part of our local and national heritage and provide a unique link with the past; they bring history alive. They are limited in numbers and irreplaceable, deserving special care and attention.
Historic England advise the Secretary of State for Digital Culture Media and Sport on whether a building or structure should be added to the list. They have selection guides which provide advice on what could be listed.