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What is a listed building
01:00 Tue 03rd Apr 2001 | Home & Garden
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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.�
Q. Who decides if a building should be listed
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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.�
Q. What are the different grades for listed buildings and how many of them are there
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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.�
In all, there are approximately 37,000 listed buildings with the vast majority, over 90%, being Grade II.
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Q. What does it mean once a building has been listed
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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.�
Essentially that means that any alterations do not compromise the architectural character of the building. The local planning authority has control over minor changes to listed buildings, although they must inform English Heritage of any application, in case it wishes to intervene or advise. Over 90% of applications are approved.
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In Greater London, English Heritage has powers to direct all consent applications, however minor. Changes to more important buildings are handled by English Heritage and can also involve the Secretary of State.
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By Tom Gard
