There are some 1500 buildings in Allerdale that are included on a list of buildings that are of 'special architectural or historic interest' (listed buildings). The lists are compiled by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport. The main criteria for a building becoming listed are architectural interest, historic interest, close historical association and / or group value.

There are three different grades of listed building,

If you want to know if your property or some other building is listed, then contact a planning officer who will be pleased to advise you. A specialist conservation officer is employed to give advice on such buildings (building.conservation@allerdale.gov.uk). A national database of all listed buildings exists, you have to be registered to access the full site but registration is free (www.imagesofengland.org.uk). Alternatively, enter your property details in the My Property address search on our website. Under the Environment heading of the results for your property, it will tell you if your property is a listed building, along with other useful facts.

Alterations and extensions that affect the character or appearance of a listed building, whether they are internal or external work, require a grant of listed building consent prior to work being undertaken. To undertake alterations without consent is a criminal offence.

Consent for alterations, extension or demolition of a listed building can be made through the Planning Portal 1App System, or there is a standard application form to use. Alterations to listed buildings can require great skill and care. It may well be appropriate to seek the advice of an architect to help prepare your proposal. Planning officers are available to give advice.

All listed building applications must be advertised on site and in the local press, by the local planning authority, other than that procedures are much the same as dealing with planning applications.