Watford Borough Council

It is included on a register called the "List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest," drawn up by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS - a link to which can be found in the External websites section of of the page), under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and assisted by English Heritage (EH).

By visiting DCMS or EH websites you can find information on:

• The criteria for a building to become listed
• What the different types or 'grades' of listing mean
• How to get a building listed
• How to get a listed building reconsidered
• The effects of listing

You will need the Council's consent to demolish a listed building or for any alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of architectural or historic interest. The need for listed building consent is different from planning permission but the process is very similar.

If you need to apply for planning permission, it is likely that listed building consent will also be required. However, even when you may not need to apply for planning permission, listed building consent will often still need to be sought.

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.