Making a building listed is one of the ways that English Heritage uses to protect the best of our architectural heritage.

A building’s long-term interests are often best served by putting it to good use, even if it cannot be the original purpose. Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is carefully considered before any alterations are agreed.

The main criteria used are:

•  architectural interest: all buildings which are nationally important for their design, decoration, craftsmanship or type
• historic interest: inc buildings which illustrate important aspects of the nation’s social, economic, cultural or military history
• close historical association with important buildings or events
• group value, especially where buildings comprise an important architectural or historic unity or are a fine example of planning

The older and rarer a building is, the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings built before 1700 which survive in “original condition” are listed, as are most built between 1700 and 1840. After that date, the criteria become tighter, so buildings less than 30 years old are rarely listed, unless they are of outstanding quality and under threat

Listed buildings are graded to show their relative importance: Grade I, of exceptional interest, Grade II* are particularly important, Grade II are of special interest, warranting preservation

There are some 370,000 buildings currently protected by listing. Consent is required from the Borough Council for demolition of whole or part of a listed building, and for any works of alteration, extension, repainting or repair which would affect its special interest.

It is a criminal offence to carry out any such works without consent. All work to listed buildings should aim to retain original features and where repairs are necessary, similar materials should be used to those being replaced.

Below is a list of the current Listed Buildings in the area, followed by some individual details and photographs. If there are further local buildings that you would like to see “listed” then please send us an e-mail with your suggestion(s) along with your reasons for wanting to protect the building. Email us at beestoncivicsociety@gmail.com

Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest and Grade II buildings are worthy of preservation with the most important ones being classed as Grade II*. Scheduled Ancient Monuments, are shown with a #.