Listed Buildings
The list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest is a register, compiled by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and records the best of British buildings. It comprises a wide variety of structures, from castles and cathedrals down to milestones and village pumps. Not all the structures are what we may consider to be 'beautiful'; some are included purely for their historical value. This list adds up to a heritage register and covers the entire country.
Authorities are required, when considering whether to grant planning permission for development which affects a listed building or its setting, to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of architectural or historic interest which it possesses.
Related links
Frequently asked questions on listed buildings