North Norfolk is very fortunate to have a rich collection of historic buildings. Each one stands as a lasting record of the social and architectural influences of the time. Collectively, they preserve a sense of local distinctiveness and help to shape and define the District’s built environment. A building is listed due to its special architectural or historic interest. Listing covers the whole building, including the interior, unless parts of it are explicitly excluded in the List entry. It will usually cover:
- Any object or structure fixed to the building;
- 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 Because all listed buildings are different, what is actually covered by a listing can vary quite widely. You should therefore always check what's included in your listing with the local planning authority.
Grades of Listed Buildings
- Grade I are of exceptional interest
- Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
- Grade II are of special interest and every effort should be made to preserve them
Curtilage Structures
Some buildings and structures are deemed designated as listed buildings by being fixed to the principal building or by being ancillary within its curtilage and pre-dating 1 July 1948. Whether alteration, extension or demolition of such buildings amounts to harm or substantial harm to the designated heritage asset (i.e. the listed building together with its curtilage and attached buildings) needs careful consideration.
Some curtilage structures are of high significance, which should be taken fully into account in decisions, but some are of little or none. Thus, like other forms of heritage asset, curtilage structures should be considered in proportion to their significance. Listed buildings designated very recently (after 25 June 2013) are likely to define curtilage definitively; where this is (or is not) the case will be noted in the list description.
Listed Building Home Owners
If you're the owner of a listed building and need further information Historic England have a Home Owners Guide which includes commonly asked questions for those who live in or care for listed buildings (see link: https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/guide-for-owners-of-listed-buildings/).