Listed Buildings

Buildings that are of special architectural or historic interest can be listed, which gives them legal protection.

It is important to note that the term 'listed building' includes:

• The building itself (internal and external)
• Any object or structure fixed to it
• The area of land around a listed building within the boundaries is called the 'curtilage' and any building or structure (pre-1948) within this area is also deemed to be listed along with the boundary walls, railings, gates and possibly garden features

‍Grades of Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are classified into grades as follows:

• Grade I - buildings of exceptional interest
• Grade II* - particularly important and more than special interest
• Grade II - buildings of special interest, warranting every effort being made to preserve them (this is the most common)

Scheduled Monuments

Scheduling is Historic England’s oldest form of heritage protection. 'Scheduling' is the selection of nationally important archaeological sites. These sites can include standing stones, burial mounds, the remains of monastic buildings and more. They can be above or below ground and can consist of remains as well as structures that are still in use.

Further information regarding Scheduled Monuments, including accessing the records for Scheduled Monuments can be found on the Historic England website.

Alternatively, Scheduled Monuments in our District can be located using our interactive "T-MAP" system.

A guide for owners and occupiers of scheduled monuments can be found here.

‍Ecclesiastical Exemption

Some buildings are exempt from applying for listed building consent as they have their own procedures. This applies to church buildings and structures within their curtilage, which primary use is for worship.

Historic England provide detailed information on the ecclesiastical exemption and the specific groups it applies to.

‍How do I find out if my property is a listed building?

Listed buildings can be located using our interactive "T-Map" system.

This will allow you to see Listed Buildings (and other constraints) by clicking on the map of the district. You can also go to the Historic England website (formerly English Heritage) to view the listing details and search by address.

Please note: property names do change, and you may need to search under a previous name or number.

‍Listed Building Consent

Proposals to demolish, alter (including internal alterations) or extend a Listed Building require "Listed Building Consent". It may be necessary to obtain Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent before work can commence.

Listed Building Consent (LBC) is needed for any work (inside or outside) to be carried out that would affect its special character and/or appearance in any way.

If you are unsure if LBC is required, we would recommend submitting a request for Pre-Application advice to attain written confirmation regarding your proposal, via our Pre-Application Advice service.

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.

Please see our Local Validation List for requirements.

‍Emergency Work

You can carry out emergency work to a listed building without our consent, but you will have to prove:

• the work was urgent, due to health and safety or to preserve the building
• a temporary solution was unsuitable
• the work was limited to the minimum amount necessary
• you gave written notice of the work as soon as possible

‍Unauthorised works

You must not carry out any works to a listed building, that need consent, without first getting listed building consent.

This is a criminal offence as per Part I, Chapter II, Section 9 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Where there is evidence or suspicion to suggest that unauthorised works have been carried out, our Planning Enforcement team will investigate.

‍Building Control and Listed Buildings

You should also seek advice regarding Building Regulation approval. Information relating to Building Regulations can be found via the following link - Building Control.

‍Advice and Guidance

‍Frequently Asked Questions

Listed Building Consent | Historic England

Climate Change and the Historic Environment | Essex Design Guide

Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Common projects - Common projects - Planning Portal

Interactive House - Interactive House - Planning Portal