ABSTRACT
Buildings or groups of buildings considered to be of special architectural and historical interest are included in a list compiled by English Heritage and are protected from demolition, alteration or extension without obtaining Listed Building Consent from the local planning authority. After 2010 (it is anticipated at the time of writing), the Listed Building Consent procedure will be
replaced by the Heritage Asset Consent. The system has grown, incrementally, since the very first legislative recognition of special buildings and monuments, with the passing of the Ancient Monuments Act of 1882. Today, the system is the subject of wholesale review, albeit that certain key principles remain. These principles establish that whatever is protected must be deemed of ‘special’ quality. The determination of what is special is decided nationally and by one body (formerly the Secretary of State and now English Heritage) and the decision to allow alterations or even demolition is made locally, by the Local Authority, following consideration of national guidance and expert opinion.
