A "listed building" is a building of special architectural or historic interest. As well as buildings, this can also include other structures such as telephone boxes, statues and street lamps. Generally, listed buildings will be at least 30 years old and all buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition will normally be listed. For more details on the selection of buildings for listing, see page: Criteria for listing.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport is responsible for the listing of buildings under provisions contained in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The minister is guided by English Heritage when considering the listing of buildings.
Buildings on the list are graded to reflect their relative architectural and historic interest. Buildings of historic interest may justify a higher grading than would otherwise be appropriate. Most listed buildings are graded within these three categories:
- Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest.
- Grade II* ("2-star") buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
- Grade II buildings are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them.
It is a criminal offence to carry out works which affect the special character of a listed building without first having obtained listed building consent. For more detailed information, see page: Altering a listed building.
