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Listed buildings register

A listed building is a building which the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport considers to be of 'special architectural or historic interest'. This is recorded as a description of the building, its location and given a unique number. The City Council has copies of the list of buildings within its area. Once listed, a structure or building is offered a greater degree of protection to ensure that it retains its special importance.

This definition is wide ranging and includes buildings that are old and have survived without too much alteration and are therefore good examples of a certain period of architecture. Other buildings may be considered important because of their historic associations, detailed features, unusual construction or because they form part of an interesting group of buildings. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport classifies listed buildings into three grades according to their importance. Grade I are buildings defined as being of exceptional and national interest (3% of all listed buildings). Grade II* buildings are of more than special interest and of regional interest (5% of all listed buildings). Grade II of special interest (92% of all listed buildings) which warrant every effort being made to preserve them. Some Listed Buildings are also Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

The principle of selection for the lists are drawn up by inspectors appointed by English Heritage on behalf of the Department of Culture Media and Sport.

• All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed.
• Most buildings from 1700 to 1840 are listed.
• Exceptional buildings from 1840 to 1914 are listed
• Between 1914 and 1939 only a few selected high quality buildings are listed.
• After 1939, a select few outstanding buildings are listed.

In choosing buildings, particular attention is paid to their special value within certain types for either architectural or planning reasons or as illustrating social and economic history such as industrial buildings, railway stations, town hall, markets, theatres or prisons. The statutory lists give only brief details of each building, primary to help identification. They do not itemise all the particular features of interest.

When a building is listed it the whole of that building, including its internal as well as external features, which are protected. Any object or structure fixed to the building is covered by the listing and any object or structure within the 'curtilage' of the building since before 1st July 1948 is also covered.

Listed buildings have protection from unsympathetic alteration and demolition. Whilst this doesn't prevent all changes or alterations, statutory controls are in place to ensure the special character is preserved when alterations are carried out. This control is operated by the City Council who will issue listed building consents for works that affect the character of a listed building or other structures listed in the curtilage. Consideration of applications for consent ensures that a full and proper assessment of the changes are made. These controls form part of the well developed stewardship of the special wealth of historic structures within Britain and is based upon a century of emerging statutory protection.

The best use of a building is the use it was originally designed for. When this is no longer practical, alterations to form a new use will ensure that a building stays in occupation or use, helping to conserve it into the future. Some buildings are not capable or are too sensitive to be reused. In those cases, preservation is key. In all cases the aim is to manage change in a sensitive way to hand on our rich heritage to future generations in a form that respects linkage to the past.

The cost of maintenance and repair of historic buildings can be higher than that of comparable repairs to modern buildings because to preserve their character well-tried, traditional materials will need to be used. This extra cost will need to be met by individual building owners or occupiers. In many cases early and relevant advice can ensure costly mistakes are avoided and repairs are used rather than wholesale replacement.

Listed building legislation requires owners to take reasonable steps to maintain such buildings in a sound state of repair. In some circumstances, assistance may be available to owners and occupiers where the cost of repair are high and may cause hardship. Repair grants for repair and restoration of the fabric of listed buildings may be available in certain circumstances from central and Local government.

Durham City Council's Heritage and Design section offer a free and impartial advice service to owners of Listed Buildings. We are happy to answer any queries, from questions on specific repair techniques through to impartial design guidance for extensions to Listed Buildings.

• What is a Listed Building?
• How can I find out if my building is Listed?
• What work can I do to my Listed Building?
• What work can I do to my Listed Building?
• What is Listed Building Consent?
• How can I apply for Listed Building Consent?
• Is the whole of my building included in the listing?
• What happens if I carry out unauthorised works to my Listed Building?
• Where can I get advice on repair/restoration work for my Listed Building?
• What about VAT on works to my Listed Building?
• Can I carry out works to the trees in my garden?

A Listed Building is a building which the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport considers to be of 'special architectural or historic interest'. To find out if your building is listed or for further information please contact us.

You can find out if your building is listed by contacting the City Council's Heritage and Design Section who have lists and descriptions of all the listed buildings within Durham City Council's area.

Any alterations or works that affect the character of the Listed Building require consent from Durham City Council. If you propose to carry out internal or external alterations to a Listed Building which would affect its character, then you will need to apply for Listed Building Consent.

Listed Building Consent is an application process which is made in a similar fashion to normal planning applications. A Listed Building Consent Application is required for any works to a listed building which would affect its special character. It is a criminal offence to carry out such works without consent.

Listed Building Consent applications forms can be obtained from Durham City Council. If you need planning permission for your intended proposal then the two separate applications can be submitted together.

When a building is listed it is the whole of that building which is protected. Listed Building status includes the building itself (all elevations), the internal and external features and fittings including any later additions. Any object or structure fixed to the building itself, forms part of the land and has done since before 1st July, 1948 is also protected by the listing.

It is an offence to carry out works to a listed building which affect its architectural or historic interest without the approval of the Local Authority. You could be liable to prosecution, and/or be made to rectify what you have done. The maximum penalty could include imprisonment and unlimited fines. Please check with the City Council's Heritage and Design Section, before undertaking any works.

Durham City council has a specialist team of conservation officers who are available to offer advice and guidance on repair and restoration works to Listed Buildings. Should you require any information then please contact us.

Grants may be available from Central Government, Durham County Council or Durham City Council. To find out if any grant assistance is available for your building please contact us.

Approved alterations to a Listed Building can be zero rated for VAT purposes. There are certain conditions attached to the zero rated VAT for works to Listed Buildings, fur further information please contact: HM Customs and Excise Tel: National Advice Service 0845 010 9000.

Before you carry out any tree works you must first check with the City Council see if the trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, protected by Conservation Area status or are located on City Council land. Please check with the City Council's Heritage and Design Section before undertaking any tree works. For more information see Tree Preservation Order .

• English Heritage
• Images of England
• National Monuments Record Office
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport