Listed Building Consent Explained

Listed building consent is a type of planning control, which protects buildings of special architectural or historical interest. These controls are in addition to any planning regulations which would normally apply. 

Listed building status can also result in the requirement for planning permission where it wouldn’t ordinarily be required - for example, the erection of means of enclosure.

The controls apply to any works for the demolition of a listed building, or for its alteration or extension, which is likely to affect its character as a building of special architectural or historical interest.

A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of national importance in terms of architectural or historic interest and included on a special register, called the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

Buildings are listed to help protect the physical evidence of our past, including buildings, which are valued and protected as a central part of our cultural heritage and our sense of identity. Historic buildings also add to the quality of our lives, being an important aspect of the character and appearance of our towns, villages, and countryside.

It is important to note that the term ‘listed building’ includes:

• The building itself
• Any object or structure fixed to it
• Any object or structure that has been within the curtilage of the building since 1948

Planning permission may also be required for works involving the external alteration/extension of the listed building, where works affect the character of the building. In this situation, a full planning application or householder planning application and listed building consent will need to be submitted.

It is not possible to make an application for “outline” listed building consent. Any application must give sufficient detail to allow the impact of the works on the building to be properly assessed.