Listed Buildings
Planning issues for buildings included on The National Heritage List for England
A listed building is a building that's included on The National Heritage List for England.
Types of buildings that are listed as Grade 1, 2 or 2* buildings:
- generally all buildings before 1700
- most buildings between 1700 to 1840 (if not badly altered)
- the best buildings of 1840 to the present day
Grade meanings:
- Grade 1 - nationally important
- Grade 2* - exceptional building
- Grade 2 - special interest
What listing means
All parts of a building are covered by listing, including the inside. It also covers any buildings which existed in 1948 that were used with the main building at the time it was listed. This is sometimes referred to as the listed building curtilage. This is important because if a building was listed some years ago, it's difficult to know today what other buildings may be covered by the listing. We do not hold records of what other buildings may be covered by the listing.
The list description only identifies the building - it doesn't tell you what is important.
Find out more on the Planning Portal
Listed Building consent
You need consent for any:
- demolition works to a listed building
- alterations or extensions that affect a listed building's character - this covers works to the outside, inside or other buildings within its curtilage
For example, you may even consent to paint a listed building.
How to apply for consent
You need to tell us about any changes and the historic value of anything you'd like to remove. You may need expert advice to help you with this - the Historic Environment Record helpful.
You can use our preliminary planning advice service if you'd like our opinion on applying for listed building consent and the likely outcome of your proposals being accepted.
Apply for consent through the Planning Portal
A Heritage Impact Assessment is required for all Listed Building applications, to assess the significance of the Heritage asset. Please see for guidance - Heritage Impact Assessment Guidance Notes and Historic England Statements of Heritage Significance
An assessment of significance (Heritage Impact Assessment) can be carried out by completing the Heritage Impact Assessment Form. A copy of the buildings Listing should be submitted with the assessment, which can be found on the Historic England Website
Setting of a Listed Building
This is the area around a listed building, which often incudes other properties. You must make sure any works to your building do not harm views of any listed building.
Replacement windows in Listed Buildings
Windows are one of the single most important contributors to a building's character. For advice in relation to replacement windows in a Listed Building please see our Conservation Position Statement.
Repairs
Repairs are normally better than replacing with new, due to the retention of the historic fabric of the building.
Like-for-like repairs may not require permission. Please contact us should you wish to make any changes to find out if our consent is required for the works.