Buildings and areas of historical and cultural significance or architectural interests are listed by the Department of Culture, and Media and Sport and English Heritage Department in England and the Welsh Assembly and Cadw in Wales. The effect of listing of these buildings depends on the grade accredited to them.
Sometimes, it may happen that only part of a building is listed. As a result of such listing, tighter controls over developmental activities are established and permission is required to undertake any developmental activity in such building. Non-compliance calls for criminal sanctions and no time limit can be allotted for bringing such proceedings.
The LPA may also designate any area as conservation area if it is found that the place is part of some historic or architectural significance. There are several restrictions placed on development. In fact, even non-listed buildings in a conservation area cannot be demolished.
Photo courtesy: Franco Folini
