What is a listed building

It is included on a register called the "List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest", drawn up by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) www.culture.gov.uk, under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.  In the Act any object or structure fixed to the building and any object or structure within the curtilage of the building, which although not fixed to the building, forms part of the land and has done so since before 1st July 1948 are also treated as part of the listed building.

Grading can be changed where re-evaluation takes place after damage or alteration, or as more evidence of a building's history or architectural quality comes to light.  But the statutory controls on alterations apply equally to all listed buildings whatever the grade.

There are three categories of listed buildings: