Listed buildings are structures that have been officially recognized for their architectural, historical, or cultural significance.
Grade I Listed Buildings: These are buildings of exceptional interest, considered to be of national importance and of special interest. Examples include Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge.
Chester Terrace: Grade I listed
building designated in May 1974 along
with its wider terrace; nos.1-42. The
building was designed by John Nash and
dates from c.1825
Grade II* Listed Buildings: These are buildings of particular importance and of more than special interest. Examples include the Royal Albert Hall, the Houses of Parliament, and the Natural History Museum.
Former Fulham Town Hall: Grade II* Listed Building
Gaynes Park: Grade II* Listed Building
Grade II Listed Buildings: These are buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort to preserve them. Examples include many terraced houses, shops, and public buildings throughout the UK.
Searles Hall: Grade II Farmhouse and Barn
It’s worth noting that all three categories of listed buildings are legally protected, and any proposed alterations or demolition must go through a rigorous planning process before being approved. A common misconception is that Grade II only relates to the exterior of a building and that anything can be done to the interior, this is not the case, consent is always required for changes to a listed building.
Sometimes a listing will include the term “GV”. GV is used in the context of listed buildings in England to refer to a Group Value. This means that the building is of special interest because of its relationship to other buildings in the same area. For example, a group of buildings might be listed together because they form a historic streetscape, or because they are all examples of the same type of architecture.
The presence of a GV designation can make it more difficult to obtain planning permission for changes to a listed building, as the local planning authority will need to consider the impact of the proposed works on the group as a whole.
Here are some examples of buildings that might have a GV designation:
In the United Kingdom, the decisions on what can be done to listed buildings are typically made by the local planning authority or the national heritage organization, Historic England.
When someone wishes to make changes to a listed building, they must first obtain Listed Building Consent (LBC) from the local planning authority. The LBC application must include detailed plans and specifications of the proposed work, as well as a justification for why the work is necessary.
The local planning authority then consults with Historic England, and other interested parties, to assess the impact of the proposed changes on the building’s heritage significance. They consider factors such as the building’s architectural and historical importance, as well as any potential harm or damage that the proposed work may cause.
Based on this assessment, the local planning authority will either grant or refuse Listed Building Consent. If the application is refused, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.
It’s worth noting that making unauthorized changes to a listed building is a criminal offence and can result in significant fines and even imprisonment. Therefore, it’s essential to seek professional advice and obtain the necessary consent before making any changes to a listed building.
