Watford Borough Council

A listed building is a building or structure that has been judged to be of national historical or architectural interest. Listing ensures that the architectural and historic interest of the building is carefully considered before any alterations, either outside or inside, are agreed. 

Nationally Listed Buildings

These are included on a register known as the statutory list, drawn up by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and assisted by English Heritage (EH).

You will need to the council's consent to demolish a listed building or for any alteration or extension, this includes internal alterations. The need for listed building consent is different from planning permission but the process is very similar.

It is a criminal offence to carry out works (however minor) to a listed building without prior listed building consent - even if you did not know that the building was listed. Carrying out unauthorised work is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the council can require you to put the building back the way it was.

The council has produced a draft document on all of the nationally listed buildings in Watford.

Locally Listed Buildings

Watford has nearly 400 Locally Listed Buildings, which are designated because of their local architectural and / or historic value.

Buildings of local interest have been identified and listed in the Watford District Plan 2000 and any development adversely affecting these buildings will be resisted.

The council has produced a draft document on all the locally listed buildings in Watford.

A six week consultation on the document runs from Tuesday 31st August until Tuesday 12th October. Comments and suggestions are invited on the draft document, and these will be used to inform the final version.

If you need any advice on nationally or locally listed buildings, please call us on tel: 01923 226400 or use the email address at the bottom of the page.