The richness of this country’s architectural heritage plays an important and influential part in our sense of national, regional and local identity. Historic buildings are a precious and finite asset, and they are powerful reminders to us of the work and way of life of earlier generations. The most noteworthy of our historic buildings have been selected for inclusion on a Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architecture or Historic Interest and are subject to special planning control.
Who lists buildings?
What sort of buildings are listed?
What are the criteria for listing?
How were buildings listed?
Further Information
Who lists buildings?
On 1 April 2005, English Heritage became responsible for the administration of the listing system. New notification and consultation procedures for owners and local authorities will be introduced, as well as clearer documentation for list entries. Further changes will be made to the listing system throughout 2005/06, including the introduction of new information packs for owners. The intention is to make the heritage protection system simpler, more transparent, and easier for everyone to use. For more information about scheduling, listing or registering, visit the English Heritage website.
What sort of buildings are listed?
It is not only buildings which are listed but also engineering structures and other historic artefacts that make up the historic environment, for example, post boxes, mile stones and statues. In choosing buildings for inclusion on the statutory list, particular attention is paid to types of buildings. For example those which:-
- illustrate social and economic history (industrial buildings, railway stations, schools, hospitals, theatres, town halls, markets, exchanges, almshouses, prisons, lock-ups, mills)
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show technological innovation or virtuosity (cast iron, prefabrication, or the early use of concrete)
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are good examples of town planning (squares, terraces or model villages)
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have an association with well known characters or events
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illustrate the work of eminent architects
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have collective value with other buildings
What are the criteria for listing?
The criteria for listing a building for inclusion in the Statutory List were originally drawn up by an expert committee of architects, antiquarians and historians and are still followed today. The buildings included are graded to reflect their relative architectural and historic interest based on the criteria:
- Grade II* (known as "grade two star") identifies buildings which although not of outstanding interest are particularly important or of more than special interest.
- Grade II identifies buildings of special interest which warrant every effort being made to preserve them.
Note: Churches have in the past been graded A, B, C which will eventually be changed to current listing grades I, II* and II.
How were buildings listed?
A survey was carried out by an English Heritage Inspector of Historic Buildings for each local authority area, and buildings have been classified within the grading system to show their relative importance. Derby has the following listed buildings within each grade:
Grade I - There are nine buildings of exceptional interest (nationally, as in Derby, less than five percent of listed buildings are in this grade)
Grade II* - There are 40 buildings which are of more than special interest
Grade II - There are 338 buildings of special interest
You can find out if a building is listed by referring to the Statutory List - Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest 
- 931Kb. For further information about listed buildings please refer to frequently asked questions - 48Kb. To see a register of listed buildings in Derby by date order download Listed Buildings in Derby - 203Kb.
Once a building is included on the list, Listed Building Consent (LBC) is required to alter, extend or demolish it. This protection applies to both the interior and exterior of the building and protects subordinate structures and buildings within the grounds of the listed building.
Further Information
For further additional advice on the need for Listed Building Consent, please contact the general helpline 01332 255060, minicom 01332 256666, or email built.heritage@derby.gov.uk.
For more information about listed buildings visit the English Heritage website.