Once listed, severe restrictions are imposed on the modifications allowed to a building's structure or its fittings.
In England, the authority for listing under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 rests with Historic England, a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; local authorities have a responsibility to regulate and enforce the planning regulations.
[2] West Somerset is a largely rural area covering 740 square kilometres (290 sq mi).
The list includes a large number of churches and chapels, some of which are Norman.
Packhorse bridges over Exmoor streams and some larger ones over rivers in the area are also included.