Listed buildings
In the United Kingdom the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires the government to create lists of buildings that are to be specially protected as part of the national heritage. Buildings on these lists are referred to as listed buildings. Other structures such as bridges and even urinals may also be listed.
Introduction
There are three types of listed status (in descending order of 'importance' and difficulty to obtain planning permission):
- Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest.
- Grade II*: particularly important buildings of special interest.
- Grade II: buildings of special interest.
According to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, which oversees listed building applications and enforcement, there are, as of May 2003, approximately 442,000 listings in place, of which 418,000 (94.5%) are Grade II, 18,000 (4.1%) are Grade II*, and 6,000 (1.4%) are Grade I. There are estimated to be about 500,000 actual buildings listed, as listing entries can apply to more than one building.
The owner of a listed building may not demolish, extend or alter it without receiving special permission from their local planning authority. They may also be compelled to repair and maintain the building in some circumstances.
Listed buildings in danger of decay are listed on English Heritage's Buildings At Risk register.
Famous listed buildings
Grade I
Grade II*
Grade II
Mixed
