Listed Building
A building included on the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, hosted on the National Heritage List for England, for which listed building consent is required before any works affecting its special character.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historic interest with legal protection, and the List is currently compiled under section 1 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Each entry is hosted on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE), a publicly searchable database maintained by Historic England on behalf of the Secretary of State, who is required to include buildings of special interest. Buildings are graded to reflect the level of interest, and listing covers the whole building, not just its exterior or a particular feature.
Listing does not freeze a building in time or stop it being used, but listed building consent must be applied for in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its character as a building of special interest — this can include works such as replacing windows or internal alterations. Carrying out works to a listed building without listed building consent is a criminal offence, and planning permission may also be needed separately from listed building consent. Applications are decided by the Local Planning Authority, which is required to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building and its special interest.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.