Listed Buildings FAQs

What is the effect of listing?

How much of a building is covered by the listing?

Is consent needed for restoration works?

Is consent required for repairs?

Can an owner be made to repair a listed building?

Can I get further help and advice?

How do I obtain Listed Building Consent?

How long can it take to get Listed Building Consent?

What is the effect of listing?
If you want to demolish, alter or extend a listed building in any way that would affect its special character, you first need to obtain Listed Building Consent (LBC) from the local authority. It is an offence to carry out such works without prior written permission. You should always check with the Built Conservation section first and preferably obtain formal confirmation for significant works, even if LBC is not required.

How much of a building is covered by the listing?
The whole of the building is listed: its interior, and any features within its boundary and the boundary itself comes under the designation. If the features are mentioned in the list description or not – the listing text is merely indicative, and is intended to aid identification. If only a part of the building is protected the list entry will carry a clear note to this effect. Absence from the list description of any reference to a feature (whether external or internal) does not indicate that it is not of interest or that it can be removed or altered without consent. Interiors are rarely described but have the same protection as external features. Listing covers all buildings and structures within the curtilage of the building at the time it was listed, including all outbuildings; walls etc. unless they are free-standing and/or were built after 1st July 1948.

Is consent needed for restoration works? YES
Yes; if the works in anyway affect its character or special interest. A change of roof materials (e.g. from clay to concrete tiles), the replacement of existing elements (e.g. windows), the opening up of an older feature by the removal of an existing one (e.g. a fireplace), even re-pointing all require consent.

It is advisable to check with the Council's Built Conservation & Urban Design Section before starting work. Proposals for all new work are judged against local policy CH1 Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Structures, and National Guidance.

Is consent required for repairs?
Normally; a repair using identical traditional materials to the original specification, and one in which the majority of original fabric is utilised in the repair, does not require formal consent. However, consent is required for replacement of items where the majority of original fabric is beyond economic repair, even if these are to a traditional pattern.

Can an owner be made to repair a listed building? YES
An owner who fails to take reasonable steps to preserve it can be required to undertake specific repairs, which failing to undertake can result in eventual compulsory purchase by the local authority. If the building is unoccupied and suffering dilapidation, the Council may serve a notice requiring emergency works to be carried out. Should the terms of the notice not be met, the Council may itself carry these out and recover attendant costs from the owner.

Can I get further help and advice? YES
The Built Conservation & Design section at the Council can provide initial technical advice on the repair and maintenance of historic buildings, whether listed or not. The Planning Team can advise on planning permission and procedures.

How do I obtain Listed Building Consent?
The procedure is similar to that for planning permission except that no fee is payable. Printed application forms are available from the Technical Services Department based at Cheshire Lines.

Applications should be accompanied by a site plan, photographs and scaled drawings, and in addition a Design & Access Statement. This latter document should explain in some detail the affect of the proposals on the character and special interest of the building, as well as clarifying the choice of materials and the relationship of the new work to adjoining structures and landscapes. The Listed Building Consent application forms and the associated certificates can be downloaded online.

How long can it take to get Listed Building Consent?
Normally, 8 weeks are required to process a Listed Building Consent application. Some kinds of applications (principally those involving demolition of a listed building) and those affecting grade I and II* properties are referred to the Secretary of State before determination. The Council must advertise applications for Consent both 'on site' and in the local press and allow at least 21 days for public comment. Work should never be started until a notice granting consent has been issued. It is a criminal offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without first getting "Listed Building Consent". Consent will only be granted where there is no detrimental effect on a building's character or appearance and the alterations are justified.

It can often be useful to speak to a conservation officer about the implications of a specific set of works before submitting a formal LBC application; this will avoid the cost of drawing up an application that would not ultimately be acceptable. Advice may be given on site if necessary. You may email our Built Conservation & Urban Design Team with details of works you intend to undertake.