Listed Buildings

Listing is not meant to fossilise a building. Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is carefully considered before any alterations, either outside or inside, are agreed.  Buildings can be listed because of age, rarity, architectural merit, and method of construction. Occasionally English Heritage selects a building because the building has played a part in the life of a famous person, or as the scene for an important event. An interesting group of buildings - such as a model village or a square - may also be listed.

The older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most built between 1700 and 1840. After that date, the criteria become tighter with time, so that post-1945 buildings have to be exceptionally important to be listed.

The Grades : -

The buildings are graded to show their relative architectural or historic interest:

• Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest

• Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest

• Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them

In Cumbria, "Listed Building Applications" for development to/in buildings owned by the County Council are dealt with by Cumbria County Council. Listed Building Applications owned by other parties are dealt with by the District Councils (Please see contact details below).