What is a Listed Building?

Listed Buildings are buildings, or other structures, of special architectural or historic interest.

The purpose of the listing is to ensure that the character and special interest of the building is preserved. To protect this country’s heritage of buildings, demolition is rarely allowed and only then after the most careful and detailed consideration.

How does something become listed?

The List is in fact a register managed by English Heritage, but the final decision whether or not to list something is taken by the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport. Listed Buildings enjoy special protected status under planning law.

Buildings can be added to the List using a procedure known as spot listing. These buildings have the same status as other listed buildings. Spot listing is sometimes preceded by a Building Preservation Notice, which is served by the Council. This has the effect of listing the building for up to six months until the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport decides to make the listing permanent. Anyone can apply to the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to have a building listed, for further information contact ContactLB@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.

How many Listed Buildings are there in the District? 

There are just over 1,300 Listed Buildings in the Epping Forest District. These include 16 Grade I listed buildings, such as Hill Hall at Theydon Mount, but the vast majority are Grade II, and range from timber framed cottages to more unusual buildings such as village pumps, bridges or telephone kiosks. The lists are kept at the District Council offices, and can be inspected during office hours.

Epping Forest District Council produces a leaflet about listed buildings that you can download.

Useful websites on Listed Buildings

More information is available from English Heritage, and from the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport.

English Heritage also maintain Images of England, a pictorial record of Listed Buildings. 

You can also search for details of listed buildings and historic sites in England, at the Heritage Gateway, managed by English Heritage and partners.

Further Advice leaflets (produced by the former Department of Culture, Media and Sport) on How to apply for Listed Building Status, What Listing Means, Certificates of Immunity from Listing and Appealing against Listing are also available.

Common questions about Listed Buildings  

• How are buildings chosen for listing?  
• How do I get a building listed?  
• What does Listing cover?  
• What is Listed Building Consent? 
• What works require Listed Building Consent?  
• How do I apply for Listed Building Consent?  
• What about repairs?  
• What is meant by duty of repair?  
• What is the best way to maintain a Listed Building?  
• Can I get Financial Help?