Listed buildings are considered to be of national importance. They have extra legal protection that normal properties do not have within the planning system. There are different types of buildings that are listed as well as regulations that must be adhered to if you live in one. So, exactly what are listed buildings? Read on to find out.
What are Listed Buildings in the UK?
A listed building is considered to be of special importance, either historically or architecturally. Because of this importance they are deemed to be worth protecting. As the term implies, a building that is listed is added to a list. This list is known as the National Heritage List for England. The list is public, and you can easily find out whether you live in a listed property by looking at the list. Not only will you be able to find out if your home is a listed building; you will be able to find out which type of listed building it is. There are different types of listed building.
What are Listed Buildings: The Three Categories of Listed Buildings in England
There are three categories of significance when discussing listing buildings. These are Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II. Of the three categories that there are, if you live in a listed property it will most likely be a Grade II listed building. These make up 92% of all listed buildings.
What are Listed Buildings : Living in a Protected Property
If you live in a listed building, there will be extra controls over the changes you can make to your property, both externally as well as internally. Here at BBN we have listed building contractors within our extensive portfolio. For any information you require, we can put you in touch with people who are an authority on the subject.
In general, if you wish to make repairs to your listed property, you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent. This consent is required for work that may affect the specific and special interest of the home, architecturally or historically. A listing generally covers the whole of a building, both externally and internally. There are some exceptions where a certain part may have been excluded from the listing.
Attachments, extension, and other attached structures are also normally covered within the listed. Buildings that were built prior to 1948 and are on the same land as a listed building will also be included in the listing. The term “curtilage” is generally used to describe such land. No two listings for protected buildings are alike. If you are uncertain about your listing, you can check with your local planning authority; alternatively you can allow Bristol Builders Network to do the hard work for you.
For more details on listed buildings in the UK you can also check the Guide to Heritage Protection: Listed Buildings that can be found online. Living in a listing building is a privilege; so ensure you conserve your build by adhering to the special planning laws and regulations.