When you think about the history of a building and its architecture, it’s easy to see why it would be important to preserve some structures. However, being designated as a listed building isn’t just about preserving historical structures—it also prevents changes in appearance or damage from occurring. Here’s everything you need to know about this designation:
A listed building is a building (or other structure) considered to be of special architectural, historical or cultural importance. Most are Grade II and date from between 1840 and 1914.
A listed building is a building (or other structure) considered to be of special architectural, historical or cultural importance. Most are Grade II and date from between 1840 and 1914.
Most buildings that are a certain age or have historical value are automatically protected under law – this includes private homes as well as public ones like churches and schools. However, owners still have to protect them from harm like unauthorised changes or demolition – including giving consent for work that isn’t necessary for their continued use (for example replacing period windows with uPVC ones).
The listing process was established in 1947 to create a register of buildings that were important to the local area. Every building built before 1700 that survives in anything like its original condition is listed, as are most of those built between 1700 and 1840.
The listing process was established in 1947 to create a register of buildings that were important to the local area. Every building built before 1700 that survives in anything like its original condition is listed, as are most of those built between 1700 and 1840.
Listed buildings are graded I, II* or II, depending on their architectural importance. Buildings given the highest grade of I are considered to be of exceptional interest.
The criteria used for grading include both the character it has today and its historic importance.
From the mid-19th century until 1940, when materials and styles evolved rapidly, only buildings of definite quality and character are listed. After 1940, the criteria for listing become stricter still, and post-war buildings are listed only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat.
From the mid-19century until 1940, when materials and styles evolved rapidly, only buildings of definite quality and character are listed. After 1940, the criteria for listing became stricter still, and post-war buildings are listed only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat. If you visit a building that is listed you will see an oak leaf symbol on front of it – this is called an architectural feature. A building can also have other features such as stained glass windows or interesting detailing on the facade which means that it has special interest or importance in its own right as well as being part of a historic group or conservation area. Buildings that have been added to this list are protected from demolition or major alterations without permission from English Heritage (now Historic England).
All grades of the listing status are given legal protection from unauthorized changes or demolition.
All grades of the listing status are given legal protection from unauthorized changes or demolition.
All alterations to a listed building require planning permission, and if you want to make modifications that aren’t allowed under your grade of listing, you need special permission. The council can enforce the law in this area if necessary.
As well as having to show that you have got planning permission for any works you want to carry out, owners are also required by law to pay for the upkeep of their property – including maintenance and repairs (which often involve specialist skills).
A building can be added to or removed from the list at any time, but it’s very rare for a listed building to be de-listed.
- The process of adding or removing a building from the list is very complex.
- A building can only be removed from the list if it has been destroyed. For example, if the entire building was demolished and removed, then it would no longer be listed.
- A building can be added to the list if it is of outstanding quality and under threat because its value may diminish in future years due to changes in technology or lack of maintenance.
In England there are now approximately 500,000 listed buildings.
A listed building is a building protected by law. It means that the building must be kept in good condition, and can only be used as it was originally intended to be used.
In England there are now approximately 500,000 listed buildings. This means that about 2% of all buildings in England are listed – even though only 1% of English houses are older than 100 years!
Being a listed building has major implications for anyone who wants to change or restore one
Being a listed building has major implications for anyone who wants to change or restore one. If you want to alter any part of your property, whether that be installing double glazing or replacing a window, you will need planning permission. You cannot demolish your listed building without permission either.
As well as needing permission to change the use of the building – so if you wanted your garage converted into a living space – you would also need consent from English Heritage before carrying out any works on it.
If an alteration can’t be done in keeping with its original design, then plans will not be approved by English Heritage and no work can go ahead. For example, if you were renting out a room within your own home and wanted to convert it into a self-contained flat (with separate entrance), then this would have adverse effects on its heritage value and therefore require consent from English Heritage before proceeding with any alterations.
Conclusion
So now you know what a listed building is and how it’s protected, but if you’re looking to make changes to one, we’ll be happy to help you with the process. We can provide you a measured survey of your property for your architect or planning consultant to prepare the application.
It is necessary to survey the property with high quality equipment and experienced staff.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at info@icelabz.co.uk
