Material Alterations to Listed Buildings: What You Need to Know

When the government lists a building, they list it in its entirety. No grade distinction exists between different parts of a building; the interior is just as protected as the elevation.

Listing primarily serves as a tool for identification. It does not provide an exclusive list of every significant feature. Any structure within the “curtilage” of the building—or any object fixed to the structure before 1 July 1948—requires listed building consent for any material alteration.

Navigating the Consent Process

If you plan to alter or extend a listed building in a way that affects its character, you must obtain consent from your local planning authority. Taking action without this permission can lead to heavy legal penalties.

Key facts about the application process:

• No Authority Fees: You do not pay a fee to the local authority for listed building applications.
• Combined Applications: We can often submit applications for both listed building consent and planning permission together to save time.
• Free Initial Advice: DD Architects will provide a free opinion on whether your specific alterations require consent. We can visit your site or offer advice over the phone if you provide details via email.

Understanding Your Statutory Obligations

Securing listed building permission does not exempt you from other legal requirements. You will likely still need Building Regulations approval.

While certain ecclesiastical buildings enjoy exemptions from standard listed building consent, they must still comply with other legislation, such as obtaining Diocese approval.

Preservation vs. Progress

A listing does not mean you cannot make changes. In fact, we often recommend remedial action to reverse harmful or disfiguring works from the past. However, the law maintains a “presumption in favor of preservation.”

To succeed with an application, you must provide a full justification for any new development or alteration. We specialize in crafting these justifications to help your project move forward.

Do you have questions about your listed property? Contact us today to find out how we can assist in your project. We look forward to hearing from you.