If you are considering putting forward a building for listing, the following frequently asked questions may help to answer any queries you have on the process.
Will I always be notified and consulted if my building is being considered?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. However, if it can be demonstrated that the building is at substantial risk of imminent damage or destruction, then English Heritage may choose not to notify or consult the owner or local authority.
Will English Heritage always visit?
In most cases, yes. A visit can provide valuable information about the building in question, and the owner will be contacted to arrange a suitable time to visit. Some applications may be so thorough that a visit is unnecessary; in other cases, especially if there is a threat to the building and an assessment needs to be done quickly, a visit may not take place.
How long will it take?
English Heritage and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) aim to complete the whole process within five months. This sounds like a long time, but we need time to carry out research, consult with relevant parties and complete the assessment of the building. However, if a building is under threat this timescale will be reduced.
What if I don't agree with the decision?
If you consider that a decision has been wrongly made you may contact the DCMS within 28 days of the date of the listing decision letter to request that the Secretary of State review the decision.
An example of a decision made wrongly would be where there was a factual error or an irregularity in the process which affected the outcome. You may also ask the Secretary of State to review the decision if you have any significant evidence relating to the special architectural or historic interest of the building which was not previously considered. Further details of the review criteria, process and how to request a review are available in our review guidance and from the DCMS website.
Can I find out who put my building forward for listing?
You can make a request under the Freedom of Information Act to find out who an applicant is, but we would always check with private individuals whether or not they would be comfortable with this information being released. Applications from groups or public bodies are not subject to the same protections, and the information would be released.
How can I apply for a building to be listed?
If you would like to put forward a building for listing you can use our online application form to do so.
What if I only want to request a minor amendment to a List entry?
It is not necessary to go through our entire application process if you wish to request a minor edit to an existing entry on the National Heritage List for England. Minor amendment requests can be sent by email to minoramendmentstothelist@english-heritage.org.uk. Details of what constitutes a minor amendment can be found here.
How will listing affect me?
Listing is a tool to identify those buildings that should be celebrated as having architectural and historic interest, and where changes should be carefully considered. Listed buildings can be altered, extended and sometimes even demolished within government planning guidance. The local authority uses this consent process to make decisions that balance the site's historic significance against other issues such as function, condition or viability.
You will need to apply for Listed Building Consent in order to make changes that will affect the special interest of your listed building. Planning information on making changes to listed buildings and links to grant information is available from the planning pages of our website.
