Bath and North East Somerset › Guides › Listed building grades (I, II*, II)

Listed building grades I, II* and II explained

A listed building is protected because of its special architectural or historic interest. Grade I is the highest, then II*, then II. Altering or extending one in a way that affects its character needs listed building consent.

What the grades mean

• Grade I: buildings of exceptional interest.
• Grade II*: particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
• Grade II: buildings of special interest.

Most listed buildings are Grade II. Historic England publishes the national totals for each grade on its website.

What it means if you own or are buying

• Consent: any works to demolish part of a listed building, or to alter or extend it in a way that affects its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, need listed building consent from the council.
• Offence: doing such works without consent is a criminal offence.
• Check before you buy: whether a home is listed, and which parts the listing covers, is in its list entry. Search the National Heritage List for England.
• Insurance and mortgages: ask your insurer and lender before you commit. (Our note: we have not found an official statement on how listing affects them.)

What we show

We show listed buildings within 100 metres, with their grade. A listed building nearby does not make your home listed: check the list entry for the property itself.

Common questions

What is the difference between Grade I, II* and II?

Grade I is for buildings of exceptional interest, Grade II* for particularly important buildings of more than special interest, and Grade II for buildings of special interest.

Do I need permission to alter a listed building?

Yes, if the works would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. You need listed building consent from the council, and doing the works without it is a criminal offence.

How do I find out if a house is listed?

Search the National Heritage List for England, run by Historic England, or ask the council. The list entry says what is covered.

Official sources

• Planning practice guidance: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment (GOV.UK) (accessed 2 October 2026)
• Historic England: Living in a Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II listed building (accessed 2 October 2026)
• Historic England: National Heritage List for England (search the list) (accessed 2 October 2026)

General information, not legal, planning or surveying advice. Check with the council and a qualified professional before relying on it. Other guides: Flood zones 1, 2 and 3, Conservation areas, Article 4 directions, Tree preservation orders, Agricultural land grades.