Listed Building Works FAQ

1. Can I erect an outbuilding in the curtilage of my garden? (Including sheds/garages/other buildings)

Outbuildings are not permitted within the grounds of a Listed Building; therefore, Planning Permission would be required.

Listed Building Consent will also be required if the outbuilding is attached to any listed or curtilage listed building or wall (For explanation of listed buildings and curtilage, please use the following link - Listed Buildings and Curtilage | Historic England)

2. Can I extend onto my Listed Building?

This will always need Listed Building Consent and will be subject to the usual Permitted Development restrictions in terms of whether planning permission will be required.

Planning Permission - Extensions - Planning Portal

3. Can I erect a new wall, fence or gate within the grounds of my Listed Building?

Planning permission will be required to erect a fence, wall or gate in the curtilage of a listed building or a boundary with a neighbouring listed building and its curtilage.

Listed Building Consent will also be required if the new wall/fence/gate is attached to any listed or curtilage listed building or wall.

4. Can I conduct repair work to my Listed Building?

Further information regarding repair work can be found via the following link - Maintaining and Repairing Traditional Buildings | Historic England

5. Can I paint the exterior of my Listed Building?

If you want to change the colour or paint areas that are not previously painted, Listed Building Consent will be required. Further information can be found via the following link - I Want to Redecorate My House | Historic England

6. Can I replace windows and doors to my Listed Building?

Repair of historic windows is always the preferred option and like for like repairs do not require consent. Complete replacement should only be considered where they are beyond repair. Replacement of non-historic windows with more sympathetic windows is usually favourably considered. Secondary glazing to existing single glazed windows is preferred over new double/triple glazing. Further information can be found via the following link - Repair or Change Windows in an Older Home | Historic England

7. Can I undertake internal works to my Listed Building?

Internal works do not require full planning permission; however, the works will require Listed Building Consent if they alter the historic fabric or the character of the listed building.

8. Can I add double glazing to a Listed Building?

Specific advice is available from Historic England on alterations to windows to traditional buildings, such as installation of secondary or double glazing:

Traditional Windows: their care, repair and upgrading | Historic England

Please note that the installation of double glazing, including slimline double glazing, to the historic core of listed buildings will usually be considered contentious. You are advised to seek pre-application advice in this respect.

9. Which works do not require Listed Building Consent?

It is always best to check first. But some minor works may not need consent if the main fabric and character of the building is not affected. Examples of some minor works are:

• internal redecoration
• renewal of furnishings
• replacement of internal fittings such as lights or radiators

There are exceptions if the special character of the building is affected. Examples when this could apply are:

• stripping internal joinery of its traditional paintwork finish, or
• removing historic wallpaper.

10. Can I sandblast/clean up a wall on my Listed Building?

Sandblasting or any other form of cleaning up a wall on a listed building does not count as repair and Listed Building Consent will be needed.

11. Am I able to re-roof my Listed Building?

Re-roofing will need Listed Building Consent as the works will include new building regulations and new insulation, therefore changing the character of the roof on the listed building.

Further Guidance

For a more definitive answer, we would suggest submitting a request for Pre-Application Advice. This will allow us to fully assess the proposal and confirm, in writing, whether the proposal would be acceptable and whether it would require planning permission or Listed Building Consent. We can consult with ECC Heritage on Listed Building pre-applications to seek their advice ahead of any formal application, although this will incur an additional pre-application fee.

For further advice on listed buildings, please see our Listed Buildings page

A Guide for Owners of Listed Buildings | Historic England