Understanding Listed Building Consent: What Homeowners Need to Know

What is a listed building?

If your house is also a “listed building,” and you are the lucky homeowner, strap yourself in for commitment galore, because this is still only a warm-up. And there’s a reason it’s Grade II listed in the UK (grades can be assigned to buildings or structures in the UK by English Heritage, and that means it is of special architectural interest because of its historical significance). They are recorded as sites of historical interest in an attempt to preserve them in their original condition.

What is Listed Building Consent? 

LBC (Listed Building Consent) is a legal prerequisite that must be acquired before any adjustments are made to such buildings. Let us not be so sure we may do with this peaceable means of property what we will. And since a listed building is part of another culture, it too is history. 

Why it matters: Do we really need listed buildings? 

Indeed! With listed properties, you can get features or rooms that are impossible to restore. Listed Building Consent’ is not a good route to go down to have spaces reduced and remit the actual building beyond recognition if purchasing an unattached house, which presumably your deposit will not stretch to – LBC and this. 

Would I require listed building consent?

That’s yes, you are listed. You will need Listed Building Consent to change things whatsoever. Listed buildings are categorized, and Grade I buildings are the highest grade. The grade is an expression of how important the building is. The Grade I structures, the most cherished, are also the ones with the strictest rules.

If your building is Grade I or Grade II, then you should be more cautious. Houses such as these are even more unique and have less wiggle room about what you can change.

What works need a listed building consent?

There’s a lot of work for which you require Listed Building Consent. Here’s some of the stuff that generally would require perm:

Windows and Doors: Original windows and doors could all be replaced. New windows or new doors certainly would affect the look of the building.

Kicking in or moving walls: Whether you want to put up a wall, tear one down, or shift one around, you will likely need permission. “Unless it’s-load load-bearing, or anything like that, of course.

Another: And if you’re going to grow, you’ll need permission. This is especially necessary when the extension also affects the external appearance of the building.

Roof alterations: If you want to strip right back and then re-lay or replace a roof on the listed building, in nearly all cases, this work will need Listed Building Consent.

Fitting modern elements: The new boiler or run of plumbing you could do so with might require consent because they are able to change the original character of the property.

How Do I Obtain Listed Building Consent?

The process of applying for a Locate Building Consent is very straightforward and easy if you think about it. You will need to contact your local council and fill in an application form. You will also be required to file plans setting forth a description of the work you intend to do.

Here’s what you typically have to give:

Application form: This can be downloaded from your local council’s website.

Specific plans: You have to file drawings or a scop­e of work that is going to an­swer what, specifically, you plan on changing. The plans and a sketch. The people will look at the sketches for what the building will look like after it is completed.

In other papers, you may also be asked to submit photographs of the building, and/or a description of the building as it exists today.

Heritage statement: This is a record of why the building is important and how your proposals would change it.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you’ve applied for Listed Building Consent, the council will take a look at your proposals. It will be up to them to determine whether the changes you propose to the building would undermine its historical value. They may want to consult the experts on that one.

The council will take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to decide your application. How long this will take depends on how complex your plans are. ‘You just have to wait and see what they decide.’

Do you recover if your application is denied?

I have had my Listed Building Consent application refused by the council. Can I appeal this decision? The council may say no, but you have the right to request an independent review.

The Planning Inspectorate is an independent organisation, and it will assess your case to determine whether the council reached the right decision. If it determines that your plans should have been approved, the board can reverse that decision.

The appeals process is arduous. All the words in thin air you’d have to say to break up with someone?

What if I don’t Apply for Listed Building Consent?

There are penalties for changing a listed building and wishing you hadn’t without LBC. Here are some possible consequences:

Legal action – the council can take legal proceedings against you. And that could even mean punishment, or perhaps criminal punishment.

Re-de-work – you might have to redo any changes: it’ll cost it all out of your pocket. 

Devaluing property – making changes without permission could affect the price of your home. So always apply for Listed building consent when making changes or additions to your listed building.

How HoumTree Design Can Benefit.

At HoumTree Design, we help homeowners secure Listed Building Consent. We will guide you through each step of the way, and we will complete your application correctly. Our council and planning professionals are on hand to guide you to consent to your plan. We take care to make sure everything is OK, so you can be busy with your projects without being afraid of getting into any legal troubles.

Conclusion

In fact, all those lucky enough to have a listed building will opt for Listed Building Consent and regard it as an advantage. It’s the lifeblood of the value of your home and its history. And we are here to help with this mission at HoumTree Design Services. I can confirm that you’ve already done this correctly and completely in your app.

If your property is listed, make sure you get Listed Building Consent before doing any work. At least that will help keep your home and your original details beautiful for generations.