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How buildings are chosen to be listed
How are buildings chosen to be listed
The main reasons for selection are:
- they reflect the special character of historic periods of architecture
- they are important examples of social and economic history
- technological innovation
- close association with well-known characters or events
- group value, especially examples of terraces
Minor structures such as garden features, gate piers, and walls can also be listed.
The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to have historic importance. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed and most buildings built between 1700 and 1840 are listed. Buildings erected after 1840 may be listed where they are the best examples of particular building types and only buildings of definite quality and character are listed. Buildings that are less than 30 years old are normally listed only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat. Buildings are not listed until they are at least 10 years old.
Most buildings are listed if they are:
The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to have historic importance. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed and most buildings built between 1700 and 1840 are listed. Buildings erected after 1840 may be listed where they are the best examples of particular building types and only buildings of definite quality and character are listed. Buildings that are less than 30 years old are normally listed only if they are of outstanding quality and under threat. Buildings are not listed until they are at least 10 years old.
Most buildings are listed if they are:
- pre 1700 if they are, mostly, in their original condition
- 1700-1840: most are listed but selection is necessary
- up to 1914 only buildings with definite quality and character
- part of a mixed group, are listed
- 1914 to 1939, selected buildings
- after 1939 a few outstanding buildings are listed
Surveys for listing are usually carried out by the Secretary of State in consultation with English Heritage; currently this responsibility falls within the portfolio for Department of Culture Media & Sport (DCMS). www.culture.gov.uk
Buildings are added (or removed) from the list by the DCMS Listing, Archaeology and World Heritage branch, on the advice of specialist inspectors employed by English Heritage. A building is added in one of 3 ways:-
- periodic re-survey of a borough or district
- studies or particular building types e.g. post-war housing
- spot listing of individual buildings under threat
There is no requirement to consult the owners before a building is listed but unless an inspector is aware of a specific threat, they will contact the owner or leave a visiting card. There is also no right of appeal against a listing and no right to compensation for loss of redevelopment opportunities.
Buildings are added (or removed) from the list by the DCMS Listing, Archaeology and World Heritage branch, on the advice of specialist inspectors employed by English Heritage. A building is added in one of 3 ways:-
- periodic re-survey of a borough or district
- studies or particular building types e.g. post-war housing
- spot listing of individual buildings under threat
There is no requirement to consult the owners before a building is listed but unless an inspector is aware of a specific threat, they will contact the owner or leave a visiting card. There is also no right of appeal against a listing and no right to compensation for loss of redevelopment opportunities.
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