Listed Buildings

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Last revised: 7 October 2008

Science Block Conservation

Listing of buildings of architectural or historic interest is carried out on behalf of the Secretary of State; currently this responsibility falls within the portfolio of the Department of Culture, Media & Sport www.culture.gov.uk (External link)

The main reasons for selecting a building are:

* it reflects the special character of historic periods of architecture.
* it is an important example of social and economic history.
* technological innovation.
* a close association with well known characters or events.
* group value, especially where it is part of a terrace.

Most buildings are listed if they are:

* pre 1700 and mostly in their original condition.
* 1700 - 1840 - most are listed.
* 1841 - 1914 only buildings of definite quality and character are chosen.
* 1915 - 1939 as more examples survive, greater selection is applied.
* after 1939 only a few outstanding examples are selected.

When a building is added to the statutory list the owner and / or occupier is notified. The listed building status will also be revealed in the local search undertaken when a building changes hands.

The Kennet area has a very rich historic environment and there are just under 4000 listed buildings. The following links help identify which properties are listed. Please note that the addresses given do not necessarily correspond with that given in the statutory list. This is because when we become aware of a change of address or house name we attempt to keep the Council's database up-to-date whereas the statutory list is only updated sporadically. If there is any doubt about whether a building is listed, the statutory list can be inspected at the Council offices. Sometimes it will be useful if a clear map or layout diagram can be provided. Alternatively, you may wish to try this web site set up by English Heritage: www.imagesofengland.org.uk (External link)

Please also note that any object or structure fixed to a listed building, and any object or structure within the curtilage of the building which, although not fixed to the building, forms part of the land and has done so since before 1st July 1948 shall be treated as part of the building for the purposes of listed building control.

Timberframed House

The Council’s database of listed buildings is organised by parishes.
To view the database please follow here .

Listed buildings are also shown on the Council’s Geographical Information.
To enter the map based system follow here.

For more information about what listing means please read our leaflet "Owning a Listed Building." Please follow here