What is a Statutory Listed Building?
A statutory Listed Building is a "building of special architectural or historic interest". The Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is responsible for the compilation and maintenance of the Statutory List. Recommendations for, and records of, Listed Buildings are maintained by English Heritage, which acts as the government's advisor on all additions and other alterations to the Statutory List. You cannot alter or demolish a Listed Building without permission from us.
Guildford has over 1,000 buildings that are of special architectural or historic interest which are included in the Statutory List. Copies of the List for Guildford can be viewed at our Planning Reception at Millmead House. There are also buildings in the Borough which are classified as Locally Listed Buildings.
Some of the most spectacular historic houses and buildings in Britain can be found in and around Guildford and the Surrey Hills. For more information visit our:
The term Listed Building includes:
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both the interior and the exterior of a particular building
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any objects or structures fixed to the building and can include freestanding items such as walls, gates and other buildings within the defined curtilage of the listed building.
Buildings are classified in grades to show their relative importance as follows:
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Grade I - These are buildings of exceptional interest
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Grade II* - These are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
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Grade II - These are buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them.
Can I alter, extend or demolish a Listed Building?
Statutory controls apply equally to all Listed Buildings, irrespective of grade. If you own a Listed Building, you need to apply for Listed Building consent for any changes you want to make that will affect the special architectural or historic interest of the property. The requirement to obtain Listed Building consent for works can also extend to objects or buildings attached to the building or located as freestanding structures within the defined curtilage of the Listed Building. We look very carefully at any application to make sure that these features are not affected. Visit our planning pages where you can download an application form and guidance notes.
It is an offence, liable to prosecution, to demolish, extend, or alter a listed building in a way that affects its character without first obtaining listed building consent. The penalties on conviction are heavy.
Where can I obtain advice on works to listed buildings?
We offer guidance on repairs, extensions and new developments in discussion with applicants prior to submission of applications. If you have any questions on Listed Buildings please contact us using the details at the bottom of this page.
You can also view supplementary planning guidance on residential extensions, residential design and shop front design by visiting our publication page.
Who else can help?
You can visit Heritage Gateway website (this page opens in a new window) where you can search national and local records of England's historic sites and buildings including Listed Buildings. If you would like to see a photographic record of Listed Buildings visit the Images of England website (this page opens in a new window) which was funded by English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Images of England is a groundbreaking initiative which aims to create a 'point in time' photographic record of England's listed buildings at the turn of the millennium.
Conservation Team
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444664
Email: conservation@guildford.gov.uk