Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are protected by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 which is designed to ensure that such buildings are properly protected from neglect, inappropriate alteration, extension or demolition. 

All buildings built before 1700, and survive in anything like their original form are listed. Most buildings dating from 1700 to 1840 will qualify, unless they have been altered unsympathetically. After this date, only buildings that are of exceptional quality, or have been designed by an important architect, or represent an innovative form of construction, are listed.

The listing process is not restricted to buildings, but can include any structure of interest, such as bridges, walls, telephone kiosks and even gravestones.

Listed buildings are classified into three grades

• Grade l buildings are those of exceptional interest

• Grade ll* building are particularly important buildings of more than special interest

• Grade ll buildings are of special interest

The English Heritage website provide some useful guides and advice on looking after your listed building. Rather than repeat that information here we would encourage you to visit their site and review the wealth of advice and information there.