Heritage - Listed Buildings
The definition of a Listed Building
Under Sections 1-4 of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990, a Listed Building is designated as a building of special architectural of historic interest. They are split into 3 categories:
Grade I buildings of exceptional interest and often national interest
Grade II* outstanding buildings often of regional interest
Grade II important buildings of special interest.
How many listed buildings are there in East Hampshire?
Within the 200 square miles of East Hampshire, there are over 1630 statutory listed buildings (this includes 16 Grade I buildings and 71 Grade II* buildings) which demonstrates the area's rich heritage.
The rural parts of East Hampshire were last re-surveyed by English Heritage in 1985 and 1986, with Alton in 1976/77 and Petersfield in 1973/74. Sometimes it is necessary for buildings which were overlooked at the survey stage to be added to the list at a later stage.
Who decides a building deserves to be listed?
The decision to statutory list a building is not made by East Hampshire District Council. English Heritage will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture Media and Sport, who has the final say.
Anybody can put forward buildings for listing - find out how
How does being listed protect a building?
The listing status protects a building or structure in its entirety - internally and externally, as well as structures which are fixed to it or within the grounds. Therefore they cannot be altered, demolished or removed without firstly obtaining Listed Building Consent – failure to do this is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution. If you believe unauthorised works are being carried out then please contact our Planning Compliance Team on 01730 234267.
Find out more
If you want to find out if your building is listed then you can initially check the online mapping system, but for up to date information always check with the Heritage Team on 01730 234214.
If you require a copy of a Listed Building description, the cost for this is £2.50 and we require the money to be sent before we send the Listing.
The District Council has produced a series of publications which provide advice and guidance on listed buildings, click on the following links to access the documents:
Listed Buildings in East Hampshire – A Guide to the Law
Caring for East Hampshire's Conservation Areas and Buildings
Craft Skills Register – contact information for specialist craftsmen
Shopfronts Design Guide for East Hampshire
Historic Building Grants
Additional sources of information can also be found through the following website links: