Commentary on Sections Part 3 — Buildings of special architectural or historic interest
244.Buildings are listed when they are considered to be of special architectural or historic interest. Listed buildings represent a unique source of information about the past and make a valuable contribution to the quality and character of landscapes and townscapes in Wales.
245.In April 2023, there were 30,091 listed buildings in Wales. These include not only commonly recognised buildings — houses, shops, civic and religious buildings, barns and other farm buildings, and industrial buildings — but also walls, milestones, bridges, memorials, telephone boxes and many other types of structure. Listed buildings range in age from the medieval period to the very recent past.
246.A complete, up-to-date list of listed buildings is published on Cof Cymru.
247.Legislation relating to listed buildings is supported by planning policy and advice and best-practice guidance, notably TAN 24 and Managing Change to Listed Buildings in Wales (2017). This suite of documents explains that, while the Welsh Ministers are responsible for listing buildings, in practice, the process is managed by Cadw acting on their behalf. Annex B of TAN 24 sets out the non-statutory selection criteria that are used for assessing a building’s special architectural or historic interest.
248.Annex B of TAN 24 further sets out a non-statutory grading structure to reflect the relative importance of listed buildings:
249.Listing guides planning authorities in the performance of their functions. It ensures that careful consideration is given to buildings of special interest before planning decisions are taken. Listing does not prohibit change, but helps to ensure that it is carefully managed in accordance with Cadw’s Conservation Principles through the listed building consent regime.