Purpose of listed buildings
Buildings are listed to protect them from demolition or insensitive alterations, although this does not mean that a Listed Building has to be preserved exactly as it is in all circumstances. Some alterations may be necessary to enable use to be made of the building or even improve its appearance, but you cannot demolish, part demolish or extend a Listed Building or alter it either outside or inside in any way which would change its character without written consent from the Council in the form of a Listed Building Consent. It is an offence to carry out work on a Listed Building without consent and to do so could lead to a fine or up to twelve months imprisonment or both. The offender could also be liable for the cost of restoring the building.
What alterations need consent?
Listed Building Consent is required for any alterations which affect the character of a Listed Building. For instance consent would be needed for any of the following alterations, but remember these are only examples and other work may also need consent:
- Changing the roof pitch or coating the existing roof
- Altering or removing chimney stacks or pots
- Rebuilding walls in different materials
- Covering the existing wall surface in any way e.g. with render, stone cladding, paint etc.
- Stone or brick cleaning
- Changing the size of door, window or other openings
- Forming new openings for any reason
- Altering window frames or doors or replacing them with a different type
- Removing any features e.g. decorative eaves, doorcases
- Adding any features e.g. blinds, porches, signs etc.
- Adding an extension or dormer window
- Minor additions, including satellite dishes, meter boxes, burglar alarms, floodlights, flues and video cameras.
Inside:
- Altering the plan by removing or adding walls or forming new openings
- Taking out or latering staircases, fireplaces, plaster mouldings, panelling, shutters, doors or any other features
- Putting in new ceilings, partitions etc.
For further information and conservation advice Telephone: 01204 336051/336269
Or view the English Heritage's website:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1374
