Listed buildings
When a building is listed, it is recognized as of
special architectural or historical interest or both, and its
details become part of a public record. Most significantly, the
building is immediately protected by law, and any changes to it
must first receive listed building consent.
Listing does not mean that a building is mothballed. What it does
ensure is that any alterations respect the character of the
building, and that the case for its preservation is fully taken
into account when any redevelopment proposals are considered.
There are 260 listed buildings in the Borough, each of which has
been identified as having special architectural or historic
interest. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
is required to compile lists of buildings of special architectural
or historic interest for the guidance of local planning
authorities. There are three grades to Listed Buildings which
are noted below:
Grade I - These are buildings of
exceptional interest.
Grade II* - These are particularly important
buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II - These are of special
interest, warranting every effort to preserve them
Information on how buildings are chosen, applications
to have buildings listed, repairs to Listed Buildings and Historic
Buildings Grants can be found here.
English Heritage also has
further information on Listed Buildings.
You can also find detailed Guidance Notes
on applications for grants, Grant Application Forms and
VAT Advice
here.