What is a listed building

A. A listed building is one that appears on a statutory list of buildings of 'special architectural or historic interest' designed to protect the best of our architectural heritage.

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A. Although it is ultimately the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, buildings are listed on the advice of English Heritage who are charged with identifying and protecting them. If you feel a particular building deserves listing or want to know if one is listed, contact your local English Heritage office.

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A. There are three different grades reflecting the relative heritage importance attached to each building. Grade I listed buildings are the most important, followed by Grade II*, buildings which are categorised as particularly important buildings of more than special interest and finally the straight Grade II buildings, which is of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them.

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A. Being listed doesn't necessarily mean the building becomes a monument. The vast majority of listed buildings are still in use, with Grade II listed often being domestic dwellings. In some cases new uses are found for listed buildings that no longer serve their purpose. Once listed, law automatically protects the building so that any changes to it must first get listed-building consent.

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