Listing programmes

Resurvey

The resurvey looks to rationalise the cover of listing in a topographical area (parish, burgh or city ward), re-assessing existing designations and removing any which no longer possess the special architectural or historic interest required. It also seeks to identify new subjects which meet the criteria..

The lists of buildings of special architectural and/or historic interest were mostly drawn up in the 1950s and 60s. Much of the country had been assessed by the 1970s and many lists date from this time. They cover a narrower range of subject matter than the revised lists not least because they operated to an informal cut-off date of 1840.  Since the 1980s we have been carrying out a resurvey of these first lists and approximately two thirds of the country has now been resurveyed to modern criteria.

Thematic Study

On occasion a subject is more usefully assessed by a ‘thematic study’ where we look at an individual building type or architect on a national basis. This approach allows us to gain an appropriate overview of a specialised subject to inform the selection of  listed buildings. Previous thematic studies have included hospitals, police boxes, the work of celebrated architect Peter Womersley and the renowned practice of Gillespie, Kidd & Coia.

Listing proposals

The listing team receives around 300 listing proposals each year from private individuals, local authorities and amenity bodies. Anyone can propose a building for listing, preferably on completion of the appropriate form and including supporting material. Listing proposals give us the opportunity to assess individual buildings across the country outwith a resurvey or thematic study.