A Listed Building is identified and protected for its special architectural or historic interest, its close association with nationally important buildings or events, or its value as part of a group of buildings.

Oxford contains over 1,600 listed buildings.

Listed building grades

Listed buildings are graded to show their relative importance, however, there is no legal difference in the protection afforded by these grades.

The three grades are I, II* and II:

• Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest
• Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest
• Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them

Listed buildings in Oxford

With more than twice the national average of grade I and II* buildings in Oxford, few other cities contain more magnificent buildings within a relatively small area or can boast buildings spanning every major period of British architectural history dating back to the 11th Century.

Listed building protection

When a building or structure is listed, protection is afforded to it in its entirety. This includes the interior, exterior and any object or structure included within the curtilage of the building which has formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948. 

Any object or structure fixed to a listed building is treated as part of the listed building including extensions, modern or otherwise, porches, canopies and glasshouses. With regards to the curtilage, exterior structures such as outbuildings, walls, wells and pumps are also protected by the listing.

The special character of listed buildings derives not only from their general form and style, but also from the smallest detail. Any works, internal or external, that will affect this special interest will always require Listed Buildings Consent from the City Council.

Changes to listed buildings

An understanding and appreciation of the historic building is essential to ensure successful maintenance and alteration. 

As part of the process of drawing up proposals of works to a historic building, find out as much as you can about its history, development and details, drawing on information locally available from libraries, museums and archives.

Any ideas about proposed alterations should be carefully considered. Proposals should not be made hastily before their implications are properly understood.

These actions will be an advantage when justifying works in your listed buildings consent application.

In addition, enlisting the services of a registered architect, chartered building surveyor or a contractor familiar with the conservation of historic buildings and the planning process is strongly advised.

If you are in any doubt about whether a building is listed or whether planning permission or listed building consent is required for works you propose, please contact our Planning Control and Conservation service using the contact details in the Contact Us menu at the top of the page.

Applying for listed building consent

Oxford City Council is responsible for determining listed building applications, but in certain circumstances, particularly with grade I & II* buildings, the council is required to consult English Heritage and other statutory Amenity Groups as well as refer proposals to the Government Office for the South East (GOSE).

All applications for listed building consent must be made using the national Standard Planning Application (1APP) forms.  Listed Building Consent Application forms can be downloaded using the Planning Portal website. Follow the instructions on this page to download listed building consent application forms. There is no fee for listed building consent applications.

Applicants will be expected to show that the proposed works will not cause harm to the special interest of the listed building. This will nearly always involve an analysis of what is special about the building. Submitting this supporting information with your application is essential and will help to ensure that the impact of a proposal can be properly assessed.

Getting a decision on your application

Our Planning Service is required to make a decision on your application within 8 weeks of registering it. Usually a decision will be reached before then but if a decision is not made in time or the application is refused consent, you have the right of appeal to the Secretary of State.

If this happens, an inspector on behalf of the Secretary of State will be appointed to carry out an independent assessment of your proposals.