Heritage Consultancy Services · Listed Building Consent
Listed building consent, prepared by specialists.
Listed building consent is required for any work that affects the character of a listed building, inside or out. We prepare the application, write the supporting heritage impact assessment, and liaise with the local authority on your behalf, so the case for consent is made clearly the first time.
We respond within one working day leading to a no obligation outline approach.
Listed building consent is a legal requirement under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Any alteration, extension or demolition that affects the character of a listed building, of any grade, requires consent before work begins.
Most listed building consent applications also require planning permission. We work alongside your architect or planning consultant to make sure both run in step.
When you need it
The works that require consent.
Internal alterations
Removing internal walls, replacing fireplaces, altering staircases, modernising kitchens or bathrooms in a listed property all require consent. Internal features are protected, regardless of whether they are mentioned in the listing description.
External alterations
Replacing windows or doors, repointing in a different mortar, adding rooflights, repainting in non-historic colours, installing solar PV or air source heat pumps. The threshold is whether the work affects the character of the building, not whether it is visible from the street.
Extensions & demolition
Extensions to listed buildings, whether attached or in the curtilage, almost always require consent. Demolition of any part of a listed building, including curtilage structures, requires consent in nearly every case.
What we provide
A complete listed building consent service, start to finish.
1.
Pre-application heritage advice
Before any application is submitted, we assess the property, its grading, and the proposed works. You receive a written view on what is likely to be approved, what is likely to be contested, and what would benefit from a pre-application discussion with the local authority.
2.
Heritage impact assessment
Every listed building consent application is supported by a heritage impact assessment that sets out the significance of the building, the impact of the proposed works, and the justification for any harm. We write the statement to the standard the NPPF and Historic England expect.
3.
The application itself
We prepare and submit the listed building consent application, including drawings, photographs, and any supporting documents the local authority requires. Where planning permission is also needed, the two are submitted in parallel.
4.
Liaison and discharge of conditions
We respond to the local authority’s queries, attend site meetings if required, and handle any conditions attached to the consent through to discharge.
When you need it
From instruction to decision.
i.
The application
You’ve bought, inherited or want to adapt a listed building. We help you understand what you can change, what consent you’ll need, and how to secure it without compromising the character of the property.
ii.
The decision
Whether you’re working on a listed asset or building near one, the heritage position can make or break a scheme. We provide the assessments and statements that give your application the best chance of approval.
Timescales depend on the local authority and the nature of the works. We give you a project-specific estimate after the initial review.
The application that gets approved is the one that’s properly prepared.
What we provide
A listed building consent secured.
Nash Court
A Grade II* manor house in Kent. A long-term plan for a building with five centuries of significance.
A Conservation Management Plan covering the principal house, curtilage outbuildings and historic landscape. Two listed building consent applications have followed adoption of the plan, both granted, with a continuing programme of fabric repair underway.
Read the full project →Browse listed building consent projects by
Common questions
Listed building consent FAQs.
Do I need listed building consent for internal works?
What happens if I do work without consent?
Does Grade II need the same level of detail as Grade I?
Do I also need planning permission?
How long does the application take?
Do you provide a fee estimate before we commit?
Get in touch
Tell us about your project. We’ll tell you what’s involved.
A short conversation is usually enough to confirm what’s needed, what it costs, and what comes next. We respond to most enquiries within 24 hours. Working in London? Meet our heritage consultants in London.
To get a fast outline approach, share:
- The address of the property and its grading, if known
- A short description of the proposed works
- Where you are in the planning process
- Your role: owner, developer, architect, or public body