Listed Buildings

What does listing mean?
Historic buildings are a constant reminder to all of the work and way of life of earlier generations and a precious resource for future generations to enjoy.

The country's rich historic and architectural inheritance is identified and protected through a process of listing. Under the Planning ( Northern Ireland) Order 1991 the Department of Environment has a statutory duty to compile lists of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is considered carefully before any alterations to the exterior or interior can be sanctioned. It aims to achieve proper care and maintenance and to ensure that such buildings continue to be used and enjoyed.

The lists comprise a wide variety of structures - from mansions to simple cottages and bridges to post boxes.

Buildings can be listed because of:

• age

• rarity

• architectural merit or method of construction

The older a building the more likely it is to be listed.

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