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Use the links below to learn about Listed Buildings:

Listed Buildings - the basics

A Listed Building is a building or structure "of special architectural or historic interest" and has a special status in planning law. All Listed Buildings are included on a national register called the "Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest". "The List" is managed by English Heritage on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

When a building is listed, the entire building is protected, including the interior. Any object or structure fixed to the listed building also becomes listed, as does any structure built before 1948 within the grounds (officially known as the 'curtilage') of the Listed Building. This includes outbuildings, garden walls and other boundary structures, gates and, in some cases, even brick paths and terraces.

Different grades of Listed Buildings

Listed Buildings are classified into grades reflecting their particular importance; however, all listed buildings, regardless of their grade, have the same protection in law.

Grade I	Buildings of exceptional interest, there is one such building in Redbridge.
Grade II*	Buildings of more than special interest; there are ten such buildings in Redbridge
Grade II	Buildings of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them. These form the majority of Listed Buildings in the Borough.

All list entries include the grade and a description of the building however, this is intended principally to aid identification and in many instances can be very short. It is important to remember that the absence of any feature of the building in the list description does not indicate that it is of no architectural or historic interest and that therefore it may be removed or altered without consent.

What are the implications of living in a Listed Building?

It is a criminal offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without Listed Building consent and penalties can be heavy, usually a fine or even a term of imprisonment. The Council recommends liaison with our Building Conservation Officer before contemplating any form of works, however minor it may seem.

Consent for the demolition of a listed building will be refused in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

There are specific policies in the Local Development Framework dealing with the repair, restoration, reuse, alteration, extension and setting of Listed Buildings.

Can owners be made to maintain listed buildings?

No. The Local Planning Authority can, however, serve a "Vigent Works" notice requiring the repair of a Listed Building where it considers that certain essential works are required for its proper preservation. The Council also has the power to serve a 'Repairs Notice' where it can be seen that a listed building is neglected and urgent works are required for the long-term preservation of the building. The serving of such a notice would normally happen prior to the serving of a Compulsory Purchase Order, with the Council then taking on ownership of the building in question, or handing it over to a partner organisation.

'Like for like' minor repairs which do not require Listed Building Consent include

works which would not alter the appearance of the building
works that use appropriate methods and materials (to replicate existing or historic elements)
works which do not result in the loss of any architectural or structural element of the building

Owners/ occupiers of listed buildings are recommended to check with the Council's Building Conservation Officer on the possible need for consent. Guidance on recommended methods of repair can be found on the English Heritage website, or from a specialist contractor.

Is financial help available?

Yes. A number of organisations, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage have powers to give financial aid toward the conservation of listed buildings. Aid is not normally given for works already carried out and are usually provided on a matched funds basis only.

The Council presently has no funding to finance or part-finance restoration works.

Buying a Listed Building

If you are considering buying a listed building it is worth noting the following:

If your purchase is dependent on adding an extension, contact the Council for advice before buying the property. In some cases the Council may resist any changes and you may end up disappointed. New building within the setting of a listed building may be controversial and should not be relied upon to finance restoration or increase property value.
Surveys for mortgage purposes are sometimes carried out by a surveyor with limited experience of older properties. Consequently, recommendations may be made which are not appropriate to historic buildings. Try to ensure that your surveyor has relevant experience. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can provide a list of qualified surveyors in the area, with details of specialisms and experience. A list of Chartered Surveyors specialising in the survey of older/ historic buildings can be found in The Building Conservation Directory.
Local Searches sometimes reveal that alterations have been carried out without Listed Building Consent. There is no time limit on pursuing enforcement action against such unauthorised works and as the owner you may be(come) liable for remedial works.