Listed Building Consent is required for the demolition of any Listed Building, or for any alterations or extensions to a Listed Building that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.

 It may also be required for repairs to listed buildings and any works to curtilage listed buildings, as these are afforded the same protection as listed buildings.  Consent may need to be obtained even if planning permission is not required for the work.

It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a listed building without consent. 

How do I apply for Listed Building Consent?

Applications for Listed Building Consent must be made to us.  There is no fee for such applications, and full guidance notes for applicants are available along with application forms on request or from the application forms and guidance page. However, please note that:

• Detailed existing and proposed scale drawings and floor plans will be required.

• In most cases plans, elevations and sections at a scale of 1:50 will suffice, clearly annotated to show the extent of retention and/or removal of the existing features and fabric of the building. 

• Alterations to features such as windows will require drawings at a larger scale such as 1:10 or 1:5 for clarification.

• Applicants will be asked to justify their proposals by the submission of a Design and Access Statement. Details on what information is required can be found on the application forms and guidance page; in general the document should explain the works in relation to the listed building, its setting and the streetscape (personal circumstances cannot normally be considered). 

• Details of the new materials to be used.

• Photographs of the elements to be altered, extensively repaired or removed may be useful.

• If consent is granted we may attach conditions which will require you to submit further information before work commences. All conditions should be read carefully and must be complied with. It is a criminal offence if the works begin without formal approval of the conditional detail.

• If consent is refused you have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State.

The following information may also be required to enable the case officer to make a reasoned judgement of your proposal (you will be advised if necessary for your application):

• A historic analysis of the building. This should be undertaken by a professional experienced in this field and show the progression of the building, highlighting historic and later material.
• Method statements detailing the way it is intended to carry out the proposed works.

How will my application be judged?

Your application will be judged on how the proposal affects the special character of the listed building. Consent will not be given for proposals which adversely affect the architectural or historic character of the building, or include unjustified destruction of the historic fabric.

The proposed works will be considered in accordance with relevant local plan policies and the criteria set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (PPG15).  A link to PPG15 can be found here. In addition, your application will be advertised and English Heritage and statutory amenity bodies may be consulted depending on the listing status of the building and nature of works.

What if I need to carry out emergency work to a listed building?

You should contact us immediately if damage has occurred or emergency works are required, we will then decide if Listed Building Consent is needed or run you through the options available to you.

If you have any further queries please contact a Conservation Officer on 01233 330729 or 330739.