What works can I carry out to a listed building without consent?
Regular maintenance and 'like for like repairs'
These do not need listed building consent but it would be required if the repairs include removal of historic material or changes to its character. For example, internal alterations that include removal of historic doors, fireplaces or plasterwork, or replacement of external doors or windows would require consent. However, repainting or redecoration and installing new bathroom or kitchen fittings would not normally need consent.
Internal painting and decorating
This does not need listed building consent, but any external painting may require consent as it may affect the character of the listed building. Replacement of modern kitchen and bathroom fittings does not require consent. Refurbishment involving the removal of internal features such as doors, fireplaces, plasterwork, panelling or other historic fittings constitutes alterations, and listed building consent is required before work is carried out.
Advice on maintenance and repairs
This is available from the council, and is recommended as the effect is not always straightforward. You can contact us if you are unsure whether you need permission, or for more advice on what type of work would require listed building consent.
Contact details are available at the bottom of this page.
Can I do emergency work to a listed building?
Emergency work can be carried out to a listed building without prior consent providing you can subsequently prove all of the following:
- 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 or temporary support or shelter
- That the work was limited to the minimum measures immediately necessary
- That notice in writing, justifying in detail the work to be undertaken, was given to the council as soon as was reasonably practicable
How do I apply for listed building consent?
You will need to complete a listed building application form. The listed building consent process is very similar to the planning process and for most cases it will take eight weeks to process an application. You can download the application form or complete it online. To do so, please follow the link on this page.
Advice to owners or developers and their professional agents is an important part of the listed building application process, and the council's conservation officers are available to discuss your proposal before you submit your application. Advice can be given on appropriate alterations and extensions to historic buildings. Except for the simplest applications, it is advisable to employ an agent who is familiar with the policies and procedures of the council.
If you are in any doubt, you should check with the conservation officer whether planning permission or listed building consent is needed before starting any work to a listed building.
What policies apply to listed buildings?
The council seeks to preserve listed buildings, their settings and any features of architectural or historic interest. We would not normally approve an application to demolish a listed building, allow alterations that would involve the loss of historic parts of the building, obscure the original plan form, layout or structural integrity, or otherwise diminish the historic value of listed buildings. The council also aims to keep listed buildings in their original use, or if this use no longer exists, in another use that causes least harm to the building. Many buildings can sustain some sensitive alterations or extensions to accommodate continuing or new uses, but listed buildings vary greatly in the extent to which they can be changed without harm to their special architectural or historic interest. Additional detailed guidance is included in the government's Planning Policy Statement 5 - Planning and the Historic Environment.
Further information
If you require any more information, please contact us using the details on this page.