What is Listed Building Consent?
Listed Building Consent is a requirement when undertaking certain works to a building that has been designated as a Listed Building. This is because such works can impact the building’s character or its special architectural elements that form its historical significance. Works that don’t require Listed Building Consent include those that are a like-for-like repair using the same materials and methods as the original.
Listed Buildings are categorized into three grades:
- Grade I – Buildings of exceptional interest (2.5% of Listed Buildings)
- Grade II* – Buildings of particular importance and more than special interest (5.8% of Listed Buildings)
- Grade II – Buildings of special interest (91.7% of Listed Buildings)
Listed Building Consent applies to any part of the building that is covered under its Listed status, including its curtilage and ancillary structures. You can check if a building has Listed status using the search tool on the Historic England website.
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What is included in a Listed Building Consent application?
A Listed Building Consent application is made and decided by the local planning authority. It may also require planning permission, especially when altering the building’s external appearance. The local planning authority will consult with Historic England and appoint a conservation officer to help determine the application. In complex cases, English Heritage may provide expert advice.
The application form for Listed Building Consent can be found on the local authority’s website. There’s no fee to submit a Listed Building Consent application, but a fee may apply for planning permission for external alterations.
The following information and documents should be submitted with the application:
- Applicant and agent name and address
- Description of proposed works
- Site address
- Related proposals
- Pre-application advice
- Neighbor and community consultation
- Council employee/member
- Materials to be used
- Extent of demolition
- Listed Building alterations
- Listed Building grading
- Immunity from listing
- Ownership certificates
- Planning application and local requirements
- Declaration
- Applicant and agent contact details
- Site visit
It takes eight weeks for a standard Listed Building Consent application to be determined and thirteen weeks for a major proposal. A planning consultant can assist with the application, as they are knowledgeable about the regulations and policies.
What happens after obtaining or being refused Listed Building Consent?
If Listed Building Consent is approved, the works can proceed, and the conservation officer will remain involved in the process to agree on further details as necessary. If Listed Building Consent is refused, an appeal can be made within six months, or the plans can be revised and a new application made. Expert advice from a planning consultant may be needed for the appeal or revised application.
Benefits of obtaining Listed Building Consent
The most crucial reason to obtain Listed Building Consent is that failing to do so is a criminal offense. It is not a defense to claim ignorance of the building’s Listed status or the requirement for Listed Building Consent.
The only defense available is when the works are urgently needed to maintain or ensure health and safety.