The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and English Heritage are the main national bodies with the task of identifying historic buildings. Buildings are listed for either their architectural importance or historic interest. Recommendations are made to The Department for Culture, Media and Sport who make the final decisions on listing. Generally all buildings from before 1700 and good examples of those built between 1700 - 1840 are included. From 1840 onwards, only buildings of particular interest are eligible.
For more information about Listed Buildings visit our FAQ pages.
There are three grades of listing to show their relative importance:
- Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest
- Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
- Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them
Owners of listed buildings will need to apply for consent if they propose to demolish the principal building or curtilage buildings or to carry out internal or external alterations which will affect the character of such buildings.
Examples of work which may need consent include changing windows and doors, painting over brickwork or removing external surfaces, putting in dormer windows or rooflights, satellite dishes and burglar alarms, changing roofing materials, moving or removing internal walls, making new doorways, and removing or altering fireplaces, panelling or staircases.
As with planning permission the best advice is to check with the Development Control section before carrying out any work.
The majority of cases will be dealt with by Stroud District Council, however some relating to demolition and works to Grade I and Grade II* are referred to the Government Office of the South West on behalf of the First Secretary of State. The Government Office consult English Heritage on these proposals prior to issueing a decision.
The Council aim to make a decision within approximately eight weeks from date of receipt, and if permission is refused, you have six months to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Carrying out unauthorised work to a listed building is a criminal offence.
Further information on Listed Buildings can be found on the English Heritage website.
You can download the Listed Building Consent Application forms via this link
View the list descriptions for more information
