Summary

Information on Listed Buildings and the need for planning permission. This is known as Listed Building Consent.

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General information on listed buildings and information on listed buildings within the Borough can be found on the Listed Buildings web page|.

 

Listed Building Consent is the control mechanism by which listed buildings are protected. It is necessary to obtain Listed Building Consent for any works of demolition or for alterations or extensions to a listed building which affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.

 

Even relatively minor works, both internal and external are likely to need consent. You should always check first, this can be done by completing a One stop shop enquiry form from the 'Do I need planning permission?|'page.

 

Works which require Listed Building Consent include the following items; however please note this is not a comprehensive list.  

 

Demolition

The removal of any part of the listed building (including chimneys) and some objects and structures within the curtilage of the listed building will require Listed Building Consent.

 

Extensions

All forms of extensions including porches, dormer windows and conservatories will require Listed Building Consent. Any extensions must be of appropriate scale and design constructed with suitable materials and with careful attention paid to detail.

 

External Alterations

External works, which include external decorative alterations, will require Listed Building Consent. These include:

1. New or replacement windows and doors 
2. Rendering, painting or cladding or the removal of existing
3. New roofing materials
4. Insertion of roof lights
5. Repointing 

 

Internal Alterations

Many interior alterations will also require Listed Building Consent, such as the removal of and alteration to all features of historic value and may include:-

1. Staircases
2. Wall panelling
3. Fireplaces
4. Plasterwork and woodwork mouldings
5. Internal walls
6. Window shutters
7. Doors
8. Windows

 

Minor Works

Some minor additions will require Listed Building Consent when they affect the character of a listed building. These include:-

1. Satellite dishes
2. Shutters
3. Alarm boxes
4. Infra red detectors
5. External meter boxes
6. External lighting
7. Door furniture
8. Name plates
9. Signs and advertisements
10. Central heating and other flues

 

Application Form

An application form for Listed Building Consent can be found on the application forms web page|.

 

The fact that a building is listed does not necessarily mean that it must be preserved intact for all time; the main purpose of listing is to ensure that care is taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the building, and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals. Applications are advertised and comments are invited from various bodies and in some case the Secretary of State and English Heritage are also consulted. Applications are considered with the specific aim of preserving the historic building in its setting. In cases where demolition is approved, English Heritage must be given the opportunity to record the building if it so wishes.

 

It is important that listed buildings are kept in a good state of repair to prevent the irretrievable loss of features and details. We have powers to take action against owners whose property is in disrepair. 

 

Listed buildings often contain important materials, architectural details and examples of workmanship that contribute to the special architectural or historic interest of the building. Particular attention should always be paid to any repairs, restoration or alterations so that these details are not damaged or lost. In many cases expert advice will be required and craftsmen experienced in this type of work will be needed.

 

Being responsible for an historic building is a privilege. It represents a commitment to the nation’s heritage and your own contribution to preserving it for future generations to enjoy. Each historic building is unique, once part of its fabric is destroyed or damaged it can never be genuinely replaced.