It ensures that any alterations to the exterior or interior of a listed building are carefully considered so the character of the building is not adversely affected.

What does listing mean ?

Historic buildings are a constant reminder to all of the work and way of life of earlier generations.

The country's rich historic and architectural inheritance is identified and protected through a process of listing. Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has a statutory duty to compile lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is considered carefully before any alterations to the exterior or interior can be sanctioned.

The lists comprise a wide variety of structures - from castles to railway viaducts. Buildings can be listed because of:

• age

• rarity

• architectural merit or method of construction

The older a building the more likely it is to be listed.