Hot Topics - Listed buildings & conservation areas

Question 1

Why might a building be listed?

Answer 1

Several reasons including:
- Architectural interest (such as design, decoration or craftsmanship)
- Historic interest
- Historic association (association with nationally important people or events)
- Group value (part of a larger ensemble)

Question 1

What are the 3 categories of listing in England and Wales?

Answer 1

Grade I: Buildings of exceptional importance
Grade II*: Buildings of more than special interest
Grade II: Buildings of special interest

Question 2

What are the 3 categories of listing in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

Answer 2

• Scotland - the equivalent categories are Grade A, B and C(s)
• Northern Ireland - the equivalent categories are Grade A, B+ and B

Question 3

What is curtilage?

Answer 3

• An area of land around a listed building within which other buildings predating July 1948 may potentially be considered listed
• The word ‘curtilage’ is generally used to refer to a parcel of land attached to a building and forming one enclosure within it, where their relationship is such that they constitute an integral whole

Question 4

What works can be undertaken on listed building?

Answer 4

• It is a criminal offence to alter listed buildings without listed buildings consent and the local planning authority can have works reversed if they do not have consent
• Historic England is the body who will make a decision on what can and cannot be undertaken on a listed building

Question 5

What is a conservation area?

Answer 5

• Conservation areas are areas that have been designated as being of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance
• It is a criminal offence to undertake work in a conservation area without consent and the local planning authority can insist that the work is reserved