What is a Listed Building?

This is a building that has been identified as of special architectural or historic interest and as such is worthy of special protection. In considering whether a building is worthy of this special protection the following guidelines are used. All buildings built before 1700, and surviving in anything like their original form, are listed. Most buildings dating from 1700 to 1840 qualify, unless they have been altered unsympathetically. After this date, only buildings that are of exceptional quality, or have been designed by an important architect, or represent an innovative form of construction, are listed. The listing process is not restricted to buildings, but can include any structure of interest, such as bridges, walls, telephone kiosks and even Toddington's village pump.

Listed buildings are graded according to their relative importance. Grade I buildings are of outstanding architectural or historic interest, and are of national importance. Only about 2% of listed buildings fall into this category. Grade II listed buildings are of special interest, and the majority fall into this group. This grade has a sub-group, known as Grade II*, which is given to buildings that have some extra merit, such as an outstanding interior. Despite this grading, it should be noted that the statutory controls apply to all grades of listed buildings.