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Listed buildings are designated by the Secretary of State and are protected by virtue of their history or heritage. At present there are 374,081 such buildings in England, and they are graded on three levels.

Grade I - These are buildings of exceptional interest and approximately 2% of the total number of listed buildings are Grade 1 listed.

Grade II* - These are described as "buildings of particular importance, possibly possessing outstanding features" and count for about 4% of the total number of listed buildings.

Grade II - This grade makes up 94% of our listed buildings as they are "buildings of special interest". Often with this type of building only part of the building is listed, sometimes the original building has been added too, and only the original section is listed, sometimes it is the exterior facade.

In order to alter, extend or change a listed building you will all the normal approvals as well as Listed Building Consent, so it is vital that you speak to an architect who is experienced in handling such projects, as if you don't receive approval from all the right people the consequences can be severe.

If you alter a listed building without the right consents you can be taken to Court. Not only will you have to return the building to its original state (i.e. remove the unauthorised work you did, and then repair the building to how it was) you can also be fined and even sent to prison.

The Extension Build website will give you a lot more information and is well worth a visit.

It is also worth remembering that if you live close to, or next to a listed building any planning application you make may well come in for closer scrutiny.