Listed Buildings : Introduction

Listed buildings are precious and finite. They enrich the character, appearance and identity of the environment and are important reminders of our social history.

Buildings of special architectural or historic interest are listed by CADW through the National Assembly for Wales. In Wrexham County Borough there are almost 900 listed buildings. They are listed for a number of reasons, such as age, rarity, architectural merit, method of construction, famous associations and group value.

Architectural completeness is also a key factor when determining whether to list a building. They become increasingly rarer the older they are. Any building surviving in original condition before 1700 is usually listed. Most buildings built between 1700 and 1840 will be subject to listing on merit. Between 1840-1945 listing buildings become more selective, and only exceptionally important buildings built after 1945 will be considered for listing. Listed buildings are classified in three grades to show their relative importance - Grade I, II* and II. Grade I listed buildings are considered to be of exceptional, usually national, interest. In Wrexham County Borough, there are 17 Grade 1 listed buildings. This is 2% of the total of listed buildings both nationally and in Wrexham County Borough. Before a listed building can be altered, extended, or demolished, it will almost certainly be necessary to obtain listed building consent. It is an offence to alter, extend or demolish (even in part) a listed building.

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