Listed buildings are defined as buildings, objects or structures that have been judged to be of special architectural or historic interest and included on a register called Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest held by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

Listing a building is a legal procedure intended to protect the nation’s built architectural and historic heritage.

You can search the National Heritage List for England for a full list of the borough’s listed buildings.

Listed buildings vary in type and scale from major ecclesiastical buildings like the Crooked Spire to modest cottages like 8–18 Church Street North and small buildings like the Market Place pump or raised pavement at Church Street North. Not all listed buildings are immediately recognisable, as the list can include buildings listed because of the architect (like Parker Unwin at 323 Ashgate Road) or because of their historic significance (like the Barrow Hill Engine Shed). Generally, listed buildings are older; however, this is not always the case. The West Bars Court House was built in the 1960s and is listed.

All buildings erected before 1700 that survive in anything like their original form are listed, as are most buildings erected between 1700 and 1840, although some selection is applied. After 1840 the list is much more selective. A few exceptionally important buildings built after 1945 are listed.

Buildings can be selected for listing because of their architectural interest, historic interest and historical associations, or for group value. The majority of buildings are included in the list because of their age. The older and rarer a building is, the more likely it is to be included on the list if it is largely intact and unaltered.

Listed buildings fall into three grades, reflecting their architectural and historic interest. Grade I buildings (Chesterfield Crooked Spire) are buildings of exceptional interest; Grade II* (2 St Marys Gate) are buildings that are particularly important and Grade II (Market Hall) are buildings that are of special interest.

Irrespective of a building’s designated grade, every part of a listed building is listed, including both the interior and exterior and any later alterations or additions. In addition, any building or structure within the curtilage (land) of the listed building that, although not fixed to the building, forms part of the land and has done so since before 1 July 1948, is treated as part of the listed building. Each listed building includes a description that refers to some, but not necessarily all, important features. This is for identification purposes only.

Buildings that are listed are protected by law. This does not mean that they cannot be altered or demolished. Listed Building Consent is required in order to carry out any works which will affect a listed building’s special character as a building of architectural or historic interest or for its demolition. This will be necessary for any major works, and is likely to be needed for minor alterations and possibly repairs, depending upon the extent and type. Carrying out work to a listed building without the appropriate consent is an offence and may result in prosecution. It is always important therefore that all applicants should check with the council before undertaking any work to a listed building.

Historic parks and gardens

Historic parks and gardens are listed and categorised by English Heritage in a manner similar to listed buildings under the provisions of the National Heritage Act 1983. If a park or garden has been registered using the designation process under the 1983 National Heritage Act, it has legal protection. Within the borough there is currently one historic park and garden that appears on the national heritage list.

• Queen's Park

Scheduled monuments

A scheduled monument is a nationally important archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change through the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Within the borough there are currently two scheduled monuments that appear on the national heritage list.

• Brampton Barn
• Tapton Castle Motte 

Contact details

Please contact the council's conservation officer by email via building.conservation@chesterfield.gov.uk if you have any enquiries relating to listed buildings, historic parks and gardens or scheduled monuments.