Doing work to a listed building

Part of: Listed and locally listed buildings

You will need listed building consent:

  • to demolish a statutory listed building
  • for any alteration or extension which would affect its character or appearance

Listed building consent is free and different from planning permission, but the process is very similar. Please note that when a building is listed, the legislation applies to the interior, exterior and any buildings within its curtilage, such as boundary walls or out buildings.

It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a listed building without prior listed building consent – even if you did not know that the building was listed.

Consent is normally needed for any repairs that include removal of historic fabric or changes to the building’s character, such as:

  • removal of historic doors, fireplaces or plasterwork
  • replacement of windows

Consent is not normally needed for:

  • regular maintenance and ‘like for like’ repairs such as repainting or redecoration
  • repairs to woodwork involving piecing in new timber to match the existing
  • installing new bathroom or kitchen fittings

Information about pre-application advice can be found on the pre-application advice service page.

See the Planning Portal website for more information on listed building consent.

Emergency work

Emergency works to a listed building can be carried out without prior consent, if you can subsequently prove that:

  • the works were urgently necessary in the interest of safety or health, or for the preservation of the building
  • it was not practical to secure public safety or health, or preserve the building, by works of repair, temporary support or shelter
  • the work carried out was limited to the minimum measures immediately necessary
  • detailed notice in writing justifying the carrying out the work was given to the council as soon as reasonably practical to do so

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