What makes a building Grade 1 listed?

What is a Grade I Listed Building? If a building is listed as Grade I, this is because the site is of exceptional national, architectural or historical importance. It is rare to find a Grade 1 listed building compared to a Grade 2 listed site, simply because of the significance that is placed on such sites.

What is the difference between grade 1 and 2 listed buildings?

Grade I: This means the property is of ‘exceptional interest’. Grade II*: This means the property is important and considered of more than special interest. Around 5.8% of listed buildings fall into this category. Grade II: This means the building is of special interest.

Can I decorate a Grade 1 listed building?

If your house is Grade I or Grade II* listed it may be appropriate to use traditional paints with white lead pigment or high solvent content. However, their toxicity means they are restricted by environmental legislation and their use permitted only under licence.

Can I put a new kitchen in a Grade 1 listed building?

Listed Building Consent may be required to create a new kitchen or alter an existing one if your house is a listed building, and you should seek advice on this before carrying out any changes.

Who is responsible for listed buildings?

There is no statutory obligation upon the owner of a listed building to keep their property in a good state of repair, although it is usually in their interest to do so. However, local authorities can take action to secure the repair of a listed building when concerned about its continued conservation.

Can you change the inside of a Grade 2 listed building?

Grade II listed buildings are subject to regulations which protect their historical and architectural significance. These buildings are of special interest, meaning alterations and building work can’t be carried out without written consent from the relevant authorities.

How many Grade 1 listed buildings are there?

There are around 400,000 listed building entries in England. Listed buildings are classified into three grades: Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest. Just 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.

Can you Modernise a Grade 2 listed building?

It is possible to modernise a Grade II listed property, but you must play by the rules… Buildings are listed for a reason. They may have a special historic or architectural interest which it is important to conserve and they may be located in an area that is historically important.

Can I be forced to repair a listed building?

Can I be forced to repair my listed building even if I can’t afford it? Yes, but only if the building is decaying very badly. Local authorities have two main powers to halt the deterioration of a listed building the serving of an urgent works notice or a repairs notice.

What are the problems with buying a Grade 2 listed building?

You’ll have to get permission from your local authority for any alterations you want to carry out, including extensions, changes to the internal layout or even putting up a satellite dish. This can be bureaucratic and time-consuming! You’ll need specialist insurance.

Can I remove internal walls in a Grade 2 listed building?

It may be possible to remove internal walls to make larger rooms or to divide a large room to make smaller spaces. In most cases – and usually in listed buildings – you will be expected to keep old walls, or at least enough to show where they were.