An application for Listed Building Consent will be required for alterations to a listed building which are considered to affect its special character/appearance as a building or structure of architectural/historic interest. As all listed buildings are different, decisions on whether works require Listed Building Consent are taken on a case-by-case basis.
In general, however, such works that will require listed building consent are:
- replacing doors and windows
- re-roofing
- new chimney pots
- new rainwater goods
- wholesale re-pointing
- rendering or re-rendering
- painting of render, stone
- brickwork and external joinery
- internal structural works including removal of walls and partitions
- formation of new doorways
- blocking (or un-blocking) of doors/windows
- any works to staircases, fireplaces, chimneybreasts or other structural/decorative elements of the interior
This short list is not definitive in any way and listed building owners should always make inquiries with the Local Planning Authority on what work may require consent.
All alteration works to the exterior or interior historic fabric of a listed building are dealt with under an application for Listed Building Consent. Extensions to listed buildings, and any other development that physically abuts or attaches itself to the listed building, will require Listed Building Consent and may also require an application for Planning Permission. The installation of a satellite dish on a listed building is likely to require listed building consent and may require planning permission. Planning Permission would also be required for a freestanding building or structure (such as a garage, shed, stable or other form of outbuilding) within the curtilage of a listed building as well as any proposed works to walls, fences, gates and other means of enclosure. It is a criminal offence to undertake works to a listed building without obtaining Listed Building Consent prior to works taking place.
An application for Listed Building Consent can take up to 8 weeks to determine (12 weeks for grade I and II* listed buildings). Applications should contain full information (drawings, photographs, research etc) to enable the Local Planning Authority (and consultees and members of the public) to fully understand the extent, scope and detail of the proposed works. Before submission of an application the Local Planning Authority is happy to discuss proposals and provide advice and information.
Listed Building Consent application forms (and guidance notes) are available to download from the Councils website Application forms
Making an application for Listed Building Consent
In July 2021 the Government updated the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Part 16 of this framework is entitled 'Conserving & Enhancing the Historic Environment'.
Part 16 of the NPPF provides detailed policies relating to the historic environment which will be used by the Local Planning Authority when considering and assessing applications for Listed Building Consent. Historic England has produced an advice document entitled ‘Making Changes to Heritage Assets’ advice note 2 (2016).
How do I get a building included on the National List?
Anyone can make a request to Historic England for a building to be included on to the statutory list, including parish councils, local residents, amenity societies, interested bodies or ourselves. This procedure is known as spot listing. Spot listing is not undertaken by ourselves but by Historic England. There is a formal application form which can be obtained from Historic England. The form will require the following information to be prepared and submitted:
- Full address of the building or structure
- The date of the building
- Details of its function/use
- Any historical associations it has
- The name of the architect/designer (if known)
- Assessment of its group value in the street scene
- Details of its exterior and interior, including all features of interest
- Comprehensive set of photographs – external and internal
- Name and contact details of the building owner
- A location map clearly identifying the building/structure (and any existing listed building in the vicinity)
An Historic England inspector will visit and assess the building and then prepare a report and recommendation which will be sent to the relevant Secretary of State. If the Secretary of State lists the building the person who made the request will be formally notified. At the same time we will also receive a copy of the listing.
How do I get a building removed from the National List?
There is no statutory right of appeal against the listing of a building. Anyone who considers that a listed building or structure does not possess special architectural or historic interest, or that that special architectural or historic interest has been eroded or diminished, can make a formal application to Historic England to have the building/structure removed from the list. In considering the removal of any building/structure from the list Historic England will assess its special architectural and historic interest only and will not take any other issues into account.
Similar information as described for spot-listing should be prepared and submitted to Historic England.
What grants are available for Listed Buildings?
In certain circumstances it is possible to obtain grant aid directly from English Heritage in relation to repair works to Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings. Applications must be made prior to work commencing on site. For further information, and availability on grant assistance from Historic England is available via the Historic England website.
Related documents
Buying and Owning a Listed Building Information Leaflet (PDF 511KB)
Statement of Significance and Impact - Guidance Notes (PDF 467KB)
