Grade II listed · Reading

The Oval

The Oval is a Grade II listed building in Reading, first listed on 14 December 1978. It is one of 476 Grade II entries among 504 listed buildings in Reading; 29% of Reading’s current entries were listed before it.

List entry
Field	Value
Name	The Oval
Grade	Grade II — special interest
List entry number	1156910
Date first listed	14 December 1978
Local planning authority	Reading
Location	51.45269, -0.96016 (map)
Official record	Historic England list entry 1156910

Planning works on this listed building?

Planium checks which consents Reading will require for your works on The Oval, lists what the heritage statement must cover and drafts the application text.

Ask Planium what consent you need

What the grade means for works

Grade II buildings are of special interest and make up over 90% of listed buildings in England. Most alterations, extensions and many internal changes still need listed building consent from the council.

The protection covers the whole building, inside and out, plus fixtures and attached structures. Typical works that need consent: replacing windows or doors, removing walls or historic fabric, changing roof coverings, installing solar panels or external insulation, and adding extensions.

Listed buildings near The Oval

Name	Grade	Distance
Church of St John the Evangelist	II	61 m
12 and 14, Eldon Road	II	86 m
16 and 18, Eldon Road	II	89 m
8 and 10, Eldon Road	II	91 m
20 and 22, Eldon Road	II	92 m
4 and 6, Eldon Road	II	100 m
Watlington House	II*	104 m
28 and 30, Eldon Road	II	110 m
2, Eldon Road	II	113 m
71 and 73, London Road	II	115 m

Frequently asked questions

Is The Oval listed?

Yes. The Oval is on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building, list entry number 1156910, first listed on 14 December 1978. The full list entry with its description and map is on Historic England’s website.

Do I need consent for works to The Oval?

Works that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest — inside or out — need listed building consent from Reading, in addition to any planning permission or building regulations approval. Like-for-like repairs often do not, but confirm with the council’s conservation officer before you start.

Source: National Heritage List for England, © Historic England 2026, via planning.data.gov.uk. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Retrieved 12 October 2026. Local authority assigned from the list entry point. This page is a summary — the legal record is the official list entry.