What is a listed building?

A listed building is a building which has been included in a statutory list of buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, prepared by English Heritage. The list includes a wide variety of buildings including farm buildings, bridges, milestones, churches and telephone kiosks.

Listing is carried out nationally, and the District Council holds a statutory list of buildings in their area.  Within the Malvern Hills District there are approximately 1900 listed buildings

Why are buildings Listed?

These buildings represent the best and most important examples of our built heritage. Listing is a means of protecting these buildings from works which would harm their special interest, so that they are preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

How are buildings selected for listing?

English Heritage is responsible for listing, and most buildings have been selected in the course of a national survey.  The majority of the lists for the Malvern Hills District were published between 1984 and 1989.

Buildings are selected for listing on set criteria such as their architectural interest, historic interest, close historical association or group value.  Age and rarity are important considerations.  English Heritage process applications to list buildings. 

What is the difference between the grades?

Listed buildings are graded to show their relative national importance.  There are three Grades namely;

Grade I, II* and II.

Grade I are buildings of exceptional interest (nationally only about 2% of listed buildings)

Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest (only about 4% of listed buildings)

Grade II are buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them (94% of listed buildings. 

There is no legal difference in the protection afforded by these grades.

What is the relevant legislation?

Current legislation relating to listed buildings is contained within the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

What is included in the listing?

The buildings are listed in their entirety, including both their interior and exterior.  Boundary walls and other structures within the building or structure's historic curtilage may also be included.   It should also be assumed that objects or structures fixed to the building are listed.

If in doubt, please contact the council’s Conservation Officers for advice on individual cases. 

List descriptions are intended primarily to aid identification and are not a definitive list of important features.

How do I find out if a building is listed?

English Heritage has produced a record of all listed buildings..

Further Help and Advice

Please visit or contact our Customer Service Centre:

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A duty Conservation Officer will be available in Malvern Library, to answer simple enquiries on listed building issues every Wednesday afternoon, with the exception of 29th  May ,between 14-00 and 16-00 .Just call in.