Listed Buildings - Background to Listing
The list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest is a register recording the best of Northern Ireland's architectural heritage. Protecting buildings of architectural and historic importance began here in 1974.
A First Survey was conducted and during the process, the listing criteria constantly developed, as the information gathered became more detailed. When the First Survey ended in 1994, it was decided to bring the earliest records up to the standard of the later records and to confirm that all the buildings on the list were of special architectural or historic interest. This is known as the Second Survey.
Criteria for Listing Consultation
We are reviewing the criteria we use to designate listed buildings at the moment. Visit the Criteria for Listing page to find out more.
Where can the list be seen?
Copies of the list can be viewed in the Monuments and Buildings Record as well as in local libraries. District councils and divisional planning offices also hold copies of the list for their areas. The address information for all listed buildings is available via the Northern Ireland Buildings Database with more detailed information from the Second Survey being added as it is processed. We also have a dedicated page for recent changes.
Why do we list?
We list to allow easy identification and conservation of our architectural heritage. There are several important reasons for listing the best of our buildings. Historic buildings provide:
- Material evidence of how people lived in the past.
- A useful source of reference for architects designing contemporary architecture.
Every era has produced buildings of artistic quality and listing protects the best examples. Distinguished buildings can provide a sense of place and help reinforce local and national identity.
What can be listed?
It is a common misconception that only the front facade of a building is listed. Listing covers the complete interior and exterior of the building and can also extend to fixtures and free standing objects within the curtilage of the building.
It is important to know the extent of the listing, particularly when determining whether listed building consent is required for works. Planning Service can advise on whether listed building consent is needed.
Listing is not just confined to conventional buildings. Practically any man-made structure can be listed and the present list demonstrates this with fountains, memorials, town stocks and phone boxes all included on it.
Can I nominate a building for listing?
Yes, you can write to us at any time. Check that it is not already listed on the Buildings Database first. Your request will generate a ‘listing query’ and an architect will visit. This initial assessment will decide if there is sufficient cause to commission detailed research.
We prioritise our listing activity on a holistic area based survey (The Second Survey) and if one off potential listings are identified this work will be prioritised based upon a risk assessment. For this reason it is important that you provide us with the maximum of information on the structure you are proposing and on any threats it may face.
How are Buildings Listed?
We have produced a guidance document (.PDF 37Kb)
and flowchart (.PDF 34Kb) which explains the listing process in detail.
The listing criteria
The listing criteria has been reviewed and new guidance is proposed. Current policy is set out in Annex C of Planning Policy Statement 6 (March 1999). The new proposals are intended to clear up the current process rather than change it.
Two important issues that the new proposals look at are:
- The criteria letters indicated on listing reports.
- How the historic interest of structures is valued.
The test for assessing whether a building should be listed or not will remain the same because the legislation isn't being changed.
To be listed a building must be of ‘special architectural or historic interest’. Buildings of lesser interest which do not make this grade cannot be protected in this way. See local lists for more information on this category of building.
