Arts Minister Alan Howarth announced the latest additions following recommendations made by English Heritage after a three-year study.

"The post-war years have produced many buildings of outstanding architectural quality. Given the modern pace of change, it is important to identify the best of modern architecture and to give it protection, otherwise there is a risk that it will be lost before its true value can be appreciated," he said.

But residents of estates like Park Hill in Sheffield, south Yorkshire, do not share the minister's enthusiasm.

Design copied

They refer to what is now a grade II* listed building as San Quentin, after the prison in the United States, and say they would like to see it destroyed.

"It's an eyesore and the best thing they can do is blow up the lot," said Michael Pemberton, one of 2,000 council tenants.

He told the Times newspaper: "There are a lot of decent families but there are also a lot of prostitutes, drug addicts and scum."

Built in the 1950s, Park Hill was the first estate of its kind in the UK and many cities in Europe imitated its layout of flats, shops and other amenities. But by the 1970s it had become seriously dilapidated.

Although the award means that Sheffield Council is obliged to preserve it, the estate is expected to get £6m in Lottery money for repairs and renovation.

Listed buildings

Public sector housing

Grade II*

• Bevin Court, Islington, London
• Spa Green, Islington, London
• Park Hill Estate, Sheffield
• Lillington Gardens (Phases I and II), Pimlico, London
• Trellick Tower, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London
• Alton Estate, Roehampton, five slab blocks

Grade II

• Alton Estate, Roehampton, 10 point blocks and bungalows
• Churchill Gardens, Pimlico, London
• 1-57 Lammas Green, Sydenham Hill, Lewisham, London
• Sulkin and Trevelyan Houses, Greenways Estate, Tower Hamlets, London
• Wyndham Court, Southampton
• Passfields, Bellingham, London

New town housing

Grade II

• The Lawn, Harlow, Essex
• Orchard Croft, Harlow
• 82-124 and 83-125 Knightsfield, Welwyn Garden City
• Brooke House, Basildon
• Point Royal, Bracknell
• 23-79 The Ryde, Hatfield

Private charitable housing

Grade II*

• 26 St James' Place, Westminster, London

Grade II

• 1-30 Langham House Close, Ham Common, Richmond, Surrey
• 10 Regent's Park Road, Camden, London
• Parkleys, Ham Common, Richmond, Surrey
• 1-26 Hallgate, Blackheath, London
• The Quadrangle, Highsett, Cambridge
• 2,3&4 Poplar Meadow, Rushbrooke, Suffolk
• 1-17 The Hamlet, Rushbrooke, Suffolk

Planned town centres

Grade II

• Clock tower and raised pool, Stevenage