Listed buildings and the associated legislation can be complex. Cheffins’ heritage consultants can help you every step of the way.
As experienced historic building consultants, we can help you navigate the constraints of a listed building. We work alongside architects to develop a sensitive scheme which fulfils your brief whilst preserving the integrity of your listed building. We offer advice at any stage of the process, whether you are looking to talk through ideas and appoint an architect or you need a heritage statement and help with submitting the application.
Our relationships with officers at the local planning authorities in the area help our clients to successfully engage with the council at all stages in the listed building consent process, from pre-application to discharge of conditions.
We have experience of working on a range of listed buildings, including Grade I and Grade II*. Whilst the majority of our listed building consent work relates to private dwellings, we also have experience with different building types including communal, higher education, places of worship as well as industrial and commercial buildings. Our heritage experts can advise on internal and external alterations, extensions, and sustainability upgrades.
Listed building regulations
Listed building regulations are a type of planning control, which protects buildings o special architectural or historical interest. These controls are in addition to any planning regulations which would normally apply.
Listed Buildings are afforded statutory protection under the provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Sections 16 and 66 require that local planning authorities have special regard to the desirability of preserving the heritage signficance of listed buildings and their respective setting when determining listed building consent and planning applications respectively.
The regulations are intended to prevent the unrestricted demolition or extension of a listed building without the express consent of the local planning authority or the Secretary of State.
It's important to note that it is a criminal offence to alter a listed building unless you have the necessary listed building consent in place. Please get in touch if you’re unsure if your plans require listed building consent. If you have made changes to your listed building without permission, please check out our enforcement advice.
Heritage statement for listed building consent
The legislation in addition to the National and Local Planning Policy requires applicants to assess the signficance of heritage assets and how they may be potentially affected by proposed development. Listed Building Consent will be needed for the majority of works to listed buildings, including objects or structures fixed to the building and objects and structures within the curtilage of the building that have been there since 1948.
Works which would require permission include:
- Extensions to a listed building
- Internal and/or external alterations
- Demolition works
- Repairs to a building which are not 'like for like'
Our experienced heritage consultants can help you understand what works need permission and produce a Heritage Statement assessing the significance of the building and the potential impact of the proposed changes. This can accompany your listed building consent and/or planning application to support your proposals and give your scheme the best chance of success.