About listed buildings

A listed building is one that is considered to be of special architectural or historic interest and has been included on the National Heritage List of England. These buildings are protected by law, under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, meaning that any alterations or extension that would affect their character as a building of special interest, will require listed building consent.

The listing covers the whole building inside and out, and may include other buildings and structures within its curtilage (this is the ground or surrounding area).
 

Find if a building is listed

You can check if a building, group of buildings or other structure are listed by searching our constraints maps (opens new window).

You can also search for all listed buildings and structures in England on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE).
 

Works that need permission

You'll need permission, called listed building consent, for any works which would affect the character of a listed building. This includes:

• demolition
• alterations (including replacement windows)
• extensions

Examples of works which will normally need listed building consent include:

• altering part of the building
• adding an extension or conservatory
• replacing doors or windows or adding new ones (including internal doors)
• removing or altering chimneys
• replacing the roof covering
• removing staircases, skirtings, panelling, floorboards or plasterwork and removing, adding or altering structural elements of the building (including partitions)
• adding satellite dishes and burglar alarms putting in dormer windows or a rooflight

This is not a complete list. You should always check before undertaking any alterations or major repair works.

⚠ Making changes to a listed building without permission may be a criminal act and can lead to prosecution.

Some changes will need both listed building consent and planning permission.

Repairs

All buildings need repair and historic buildings especially.

You'll usually not need  listed building consent for minor works of repair in matching materials. For example, replacing missing or broken tiles with matching ones would be a repair.

But, if you are re tiling a large area of roof you would need to apply for listed building consent.
 

Apply for listed building consent

You'll need to apply for listed building consent for any works which would affect the character of a listed building.

There is no fee for submitting a listed building consent application.

However, if you are also applying for planning permission, then a fee would be due for the planning permission element.

You will also need to produce a heritage statement to support of your application.

Additional information

► Making changes to your property guidance on the Historic England website. This provides information on what to consider when altering older buildings, as well as advice on best practice. You can also find out what permission you are likely to need, how works are regulated and where to find specialist help.

► Our guide for listed building owners (PDF) [341KB] has useful information on what listing means, how to apply for listed building consent and where to find advice.