Heritage - How to get a building listed

The decision to statutory list a building is made by the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture Media and Sport following a recommendation from English Heritage.

Applying for listed status

Anyone can request for a building to be listed. If you wish to have a building considered, you should write to English Heritage at:

Heritage Protection Operations Department
1 Waterhouse Square
138 - 142 Holborn
London
EC1 2ST
Tel: 020 7973 3000

The application should be supported by as much information as possible, including:

- A location plan / national grid reference 
- Name and contact details of the owner
- Up to date photographs of the main elevations of the building
- Information about the building, such as:
- Date of construction
- Name of Architect
- Any historical information or specialised functions
- Group value
- Details of interior features of interest
- References to published sources of information
- A justification as to why the building should be added to the list

You are encouraged to use the application form available on the English Heritage website (see below). 

How long does it take?

The listing process can take several months. If you believe the building to be at risk or under threat then you should notify English Heritage's Operations Department (see contact details above) as soon as possible in order for the request to be prioritised.  An initial assesssment is made based on the information provided.  If the building is considered a worthy candidate, arrangements will be made for an English Heritage Inspector to view the property and made a more detailed evaluation.  As soon as the Secretary of State approves the listing, the building has protection and listed building consent is required for alterations.  

Where to find out more

For more information on listing, application forms and guidance notes take a look at the English Heritage website.