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Listed Buildings

At Foxdale Design we pride ourselves on our expertise in dealing with the particular requirements of properties which are either listed or of some historic significance. We are able to provide help and advice to owners of a listed buildings to ensure that all of the regulatory requirements are met at the same time as helping them to gain the maximum enjoyment and amenity from their property. Many Planning & Construction Consultants are reluctant to take on what are often seen as 'difficult' cases but we believe that it is in these areas that the greatest value can be added to our clients projects.

What are Listed Buildings?

Listed buildings are designated by the Secretary of State as being of 'special architectural or historic interest'. Recommendations for, and records of, listed buildings are maintained by English Heritage, the government's lead body for the historic environment which acts as the government's advisor on all additions and other alterations to the Statutory List. You cannot alter or demolish a listed building without Listed Building Consent granting permission. It is important to note that listing protects the whole building, both inside and out and possibly also adjacent buildings if they were erected before 1st July 1948. The prime purpose is to protect the building and its surroundings from changes which will materially alter the special historic or architectural importance of the building or its setting.

The Corner House (15th Cent.) - Amberley

Listed buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance. These are designated as Grade I, II* & II. All listed buildings by definition are of special interest. Grade I buildings are of paramount importance to the nation and Grade II* are of outstanding interest. Buildings are listed only after very careful consideration of a number of key factors that define the properties of the listing. There is also a process known as spot listing which is intended for buildings which are not currently listed but might come under threat.

Each listed building has what is known as a List Description which provides information on the building. All buildings erected prior to 1700 and substantially intact are listed, as are most buildings constructed between 1700 and 1840, although some selection does take place. The selection process is more discriminating for buildings erected since 1840 because so many more properties remain today.

The first lists were compiled under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act of 1947. By 1970 almost every local authority area had a statutory list. As survey standards and our understanding of historic buildings improved it became clear that coverage did not reflect the full richness, interest and variety of England's heritage. New research and increasing appreciation have led to successive reassessments and by January 2000, the total number of Listed Buildings stood at approximately 370,000. The process of review is still underway, especially in areas such as industrial archaeology and the architecture of the post-war period.

There are many urban myths about listed buildings which need to be treated with caution.