Some of our most beautiful and culturally significant buildings have now been legally protected for 70 years following the introduction of Listed Buildings under the Town and Country Planning Act 1947.
This piece of law was introduced following the end of World War II, when the country was seeking to rebuild many of the cities towns and villages in England and Wales. Although some protection was given to a number of buildings prior to this Act, a comprehensive set of rules and regulations were required to ensure key culturally significant properties were not removed or damaged in the rebuild.
Initially used as a salvage list to protect from "overzealous" builders, the list now covers around 500,000 buildings of interest and includes all buildings built pre 1700 and most built prior to 1840 which still consist of their original features. Other interesting buildings enjoying listed status include a number of palaces, windmills, piers, fairground rides and even a 'hobbit' house in Holme! The list not only covers old buildings but those which have had a specific purpose (such as an air raid shelter) or those of special architectural design, decoration or craftsmanship (think Grand Designs).
Being a Listed Building doesn't mean that the property cannot be altered, added to or redeveloped but it does mean that the owner will need to seek specific consent to carry out any changes. This is to ensure that the reason for its listed interest is not affected and is often why you will see the façade of many old buildings being retained when a building is being redeveloped.
If you have any questions regarding a Listed Building that you are the owner of or if you are looking to buy a Listed Building, please contact Ramsdens Conveyancing team, call us free on 0808 1685643 or email getmoving@ramsdens.co.uk.