Listed buildings are those recognised as buildings of special architectural or historic interest by the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport. They designate the listed building status based on the advice from Historic England.
The listing of a building provides statutory protection against alteration or demolition, which would damage its special architectural or historical interest.
Buildings may be included for their special historical associations, as well as their architectural merit. There are three categories of listing which indicate the relative importance of each individual building. However, the additional planning controls protecting listed buildings apply equally to all grades. The listed building categories are:
- Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest
- Grade II*: these are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
- Grade II: buildings of special interest.
We maintain a local list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. This list has no formal approval, but it registers currently unprotected buildings which may have some architectural or local value.
Listed buildings advice
The primary legislation concerned with listed buildings is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
The information given on this page aims to provide a general guide to the implications of buildings becoming listed and further advice should always be sought over specific matters. Consultation advice can also be sought from English Heritage and the following national societies:
- Historic Buildings and Places
- Archaeology UK
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
- Victorian Society
- C20 Society.
Listed buildings in Bury
The list of buildings in Bury covers more than 320 buildings and structures. The type and character of these listed buildings is varied and reflects the historical development of the Borough. They include stone and timber framed buildings originating from the 15th, 16th and 17th century, mills, churches, telephone boxes and war memorials.
All listed buildings in the Bury area can be found using our online map. To view them on the online map, go to "Choose map layers" from the "What would you like to do?" menu, then select "Listed buildings".
Consent for listed buildings
Once a building is listed, it becomes protected by law and any demolitions, alterations or extensions which would materially affect its character will require formal consent in the form of listed building consent.
This protection applies to all of the listed building:
- interior and exterior
- structures or objects fixed to it or within its curtilage
- outbuildings and boundary features, including walls and gates.
Any alterations to elements of the building will require formal approval via listed building consent. Even relatively minor works such as the alteration of glazing bars to windows or the capping of chimney stacks may require formal approval.
It is an offence to carry out unauthorised works to a listed building and heavy fines or conviction can be imposed.
If you suspect that anything is taking place to a listed building without planning permission, please first check the Planning register where you can search for Planning applications.
If you still consider there has been a breach of Planning Control relating to a listed building please use the form below to report it and include as much information as you can, you can also upload photographs and documents. Note this form will direct you to the Planning Enforcement page where you will find a contact form at the bottom of the page to report unauthorised works.
Applying for listed building consent
Applications for listed building consent should be made to the Local Planning Authority on prepared forms.
- Planning Permission and Building Regulations approval may also be required for the proposed works.
- Only applications for Grade II buildings can be determined solely by the council.
- Applications for work to Grade I or II* buildings must be referred to the Secretary of State for the Environment.
The need to obtain listed building consent means that the Local Planning Authority can ensure that any alterations are appropriate to the style and character of the building and that the historic fabric is protected. This ensures such applications are properly assessed, detailed and annotated drawings accompany the application.
The Local Planning Authority is required to advertise all applications for listed building consent on the site and in the local press, except when an application involves purely internal alterations to a Grade II building. After advertising in the local press, the authority must allow 21 days to pass before determining the application and must take account of any representations received during that period.
If a listed building consent application involves the demolition or alteration of a listed building, the council is required to consult the national amenity societies.
Applications for other developments which in the opinion of the Local Planning Authority could affect the setting of a listed building will also be advertised on the site and in the local press. Consideration of such applications will include the impact on the character and appearance of the listed building.
Listed buildings criteria
The following are the main criteria that apply when deciding which buildings to include in the statutory lists.
Listed buildings maintenance and repair
The Local Planning Authority has a responsibility to try to ensure that the listed buildings in its area are kept in good order.
If, in its opinion, the building is not being adequately maintained the Local Authority is empowered to serve a 'Repairs Notice' on the owner requiring the carrying out of specified repair works. This may be followed by a compulsory purchase if it is considered that reasonable steps are not being taken to properly preserve the building.
Grant funding for restoring listed buildings
Funding for restoring listed buildings could be available from a number of sources. Availability will vary from year to year and such grant aid is entirely discretionary.
We do not currently have funding to distribute, but it may be worth looking at websites of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Landfill Credits companies:
Listed building enquiry
Please use this form for any general enquiries relating to listed buildings:
Note. this is not to be used for obtaining specific pre-planning application advice on a listed building, for which you would need to formally apply and a fee would be payable.