Listed Buildings
It is a criminal offence to carry out work which needs Listed Building Consent without obtaining it first.
Historic England maintain a list of buildings with "special architectural or historic interest". There are over 500 listed buildings in the Borough which represent an important part of the Borough's architectural heritage.
Once a building is listed it becomes subject to special planning controls whereby listed building consent is required for works that affect its special interest. These works may be either internal or external works and extend from the smallest project to wholesale demolition. Consent has to be obtained for any alterations and demolitions.
As most works that would alter the character of a listed building require Listed Building Consent, assume you have to apply for consent.
Apply for listed building consent
Buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance:
- Grade I - buildings of exceptional interest
- Grade II* - particularly important buildings of more than special interest
- Grade II - buildings of special interest warranting preservation
Buildings that qualify for listing are:
- All buildings before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition
- Most buildings between 1700 and 1840, though selection is necessary
- Buildings between 1840 and 1914 of definite quality and character (including principal works of principal architects)
- Important post-war buildings more than thirty years old and selected buildings of high quality between 1914 and 1939
Listed building status is not just limited to houses and other buildings but may also include structures such as walls, gates, railings, war memorials, mile posts, telephone kiosks etc
Historic England’s website provides lots of useful information including:
- What is listing?
- How to get a building listed
- Owning a listed building
- Looking after a listed building
"Conserving and enhancing the historic environment" is covered in the following publications: