A listed building is a building, object or structure that has ‘special architectural or historic interest’ and is considered to be of national importance, and therefore worth protecting.
Listing protects these places from unauthorised demolition and unsympathetic change, but it can’t completely stop change. It simply aims to ensure future changes do not cause harm.
A listed building will be included on the National Heritage List for England.
They normally include:
- All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition
- Most buildings built between 1700 and 1840
Post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed and normally more than 30 years old.
A listed building is protected inside and out and may also include other buildings around the curtilage, including:
- Walls and railings
- Gates
- Gatehouses
- Stables, barns, cart sheds, dairies, and privies
- Urns
- Statues
Listed buildings are graded into three categories, based on their importance:
- Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered internationally important. Only 2.5% of listed buildings in England are Grade I.
- Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. 5.5% of listed buildings in England come under this category.
- Grade II buildings are nationally important and of special interest. 92% of listed buildings in England come under this category.
In England, there are approximately 350,000 listed building entries.
Listed buildings are protected by the Planning Act 1990, which is in place to ensure any alterations are sympathetic to the building’s character.
For additional information on Listed Buildings within Northumberland, please visit our website.
Data is aligned to the specifications for the Planning Data Platform, in accordance with the guidance and specifications for Listed Building Outline data.