A listed building is a building, object or structure that has a special architectural or historic interest recorded in a statutory list by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). English Heritage is responsible for the administration of the listing system.
The Lake District National Park contains more than 1,750 listed buildings. Many others are protected because they are within the curtilage of a listed building. The statutory list includes a description of each building, which may refer to some, but not all the important features of a historic building. Every part of a building is listed even if it is not included in the description. This includes the interior and any later alterations or additions.
You can search the National Heritage List to find details of listed buildings.
Alternatively, please contact us! We keep a comprehensive listed buildings list for the whole of the National Park, including a description of the building. Email hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk or call 01539 724555
You can also use the Heritage Gateway's advanced online search or British Listed Buildings. However these resources may not be totally accurate as many buildings are listed because they are near other listed buildings, such as farmhouses. And if a property does not appear, you can not assume it is not listed.
Under the listing procedure, buildings are classified into grades of relative importance.
The statutory controls on alterations apply equally to all listed buildings, whatever their grade.
You will need our consent to demolish a listed building or for any works of alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of architectural or historic interest. This would be in addition to any other consents required, such as planning permission, advertisement consent or building regulation approval.
It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a listed building without prior listed building consent - even if you were not aware that the building was listed. To do this could lead to a substantial fine or imprisonment.
Please contact our Planning department for advice as the need for consent is not always a straightforward issue. The listed building consent process if very similar to the planning process. You will need to fill in listed building consent application forms and supply plans and details as necessary.
There is more detailed guidance on listed buildings and alterations section 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
You might find the following useful to find out about our and the government's approach to conserving the historic environment:
