guidance on listed building
consent applications

What is Listed:- The building itself, any object or structure fixed to it, any object or structure within the Curtilage of the building predating July 1st 1948.
– Requirements for a Listed Building application. Listed Building Consent is also required for Curtilage Listed Buildings ( A Curtilage Listed Building is one that was in the same ownership at the time of Listing and forms part of a grouping of buildings such a farmstead predating 1948.
– It is important to establish whether Planning Permission is also required as a Listed Building does not have ‘ Permitted Development’ rights. Any development affecting the setting of a Listed Building may require
Planning Permission also.

Completed Application Form and Support Documents.
– Ownership Certificate: A Certificate confirming the applicant’s ownership of the property, with provisions to serve notice on the owner, if the applicant is not the owner

Site and Location Plans
– Site Location Plan: Typically based on an Ordnance Survey plan at a scale of 1:1250. You can obtain an electronic copy of the OS to the right scale from the Local Planning Authority.
– Block Plan: At a 1: 500 scale, showing boundaries, roads and trees.

Detailed Drawings
– Plans, elevations and sections, at scales of 1:100 or 1:50 depending on detail, to show the site and the overall changes.
– Detailed drawings at a larger scale such as 1:10 to show specific details such as window cross sections, doors and fireplaces.

Heritage Statement
– This document explains the building or structures historical and architectural importance, its significance, and how the proposed changes will affect it in relation to benefit or harm. Identifying any reinstatement,
replacement or removal.

Design and Access Statement
– This statement outlines the design principles and how access to the building will be provided or improved. This includes Local Planning Authority ‘Policies’ Impact on views looking into and outwards from the Listed Building or structure. Consideration should also be given to local vernacular and whether the building or structure is located within a Conservation Area and whether there is an Article 4 Direction associated with the Conservation Area. This is where the Local Planning Authority have removed certain Permitted Development Rights from an area or a property, meaning that specific minor alterations or changes of use, which
would normally not need permission, would require formal a Planning Application.

Photographic Survey
– A series of photographs, especially of the areas to be affected by the proposed works, to show their current condition, views and proximity to neighbouring buildings or structures.

Other Potential Requirements
– Structural Survey Report: if the proposed works have implications for the building’s structural integrity. Including loadings for change of use.
– Stone Cleaning Survey: For work involving paint removal or stone cleaning including a Method Statement describing cleaning method and materials.
– Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Assessment: if work is proposed in areas like roof spaces or vaults where protected species such a bats might be present.

It is always best include a Method Statement and Schedule of Works as the Planning Officer is likely to ask for this and if not already submitted may hold up the determination of the application. For example, if you are seeking consent to take up a historic floor, provide a method statement how you would remove and reinstate including materials. Accompanied with a Schedule of Works. This will give the Planning Officer confidence in the way you will be carrying out the works and less need for extensive conditions attached to the Consent which will need to be discharged which may take time and hold up the delivery of the works.

Types of buildings that are eligible for Listing
– Architectural Interest, building of importance because of their design, decoration or craftmanship.
– Historic interest, buildings which illustrate a aspect of England and Wales’ social, economic, cultural or military history.
– Historical association, buildings that demonstrate close historical association with nationally important people or events.
– Group value, buildings that form part of an architectural ensemble such as a square, terraces or village.

Ecclesiastical Exemption
Some buildings are exempt from applying for Listed Building Consent. There are 5 religious groups or denominations in England which have Ecclesiastical Exemption although a ‘Faculty’ is required.

– The Church of England
– The Roman Catholic Church
– The Methodist Church
– The Baptist Union of Great Britain
– The United Reform Church

These churches have their own decision-making bodies. Under this process the Local Planning Authority and Historic England will be consulted and can object if felt necessary.