What is a listed building?
A listed building is a building or other structure of special architectural or historic interest included on a statutory list and assigned a grade (I, II* or II). All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most of those built between 1700 and 1840. The criteria become tighter with time, so that post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed. A building has normally to be over 30 years old to be eligible for listing.
Categories of listed buildings
– Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important; only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I
– Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.5% of listed buildings are Grade II*
– Grade II buildings are nationally important and of special interest; 92% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner.
If your property is a listed building then you will need additional planning consents to carry out works to it.
Content Sources: Planning Portal – English Heritage