Historic environment FAQs

Before you start

Many heritage and planning requirements depend on the specific property and the works proposed. Before undertaking any work, we recommend that you:

  1. Check whether the property is a listed building
  2. Check whether the property is within a conservation area
  3. Check whether an Article 4 Direction applies
  4. Review the relevant Planning Portal guidance
  5. Submit a pre-application enquiry if you require site-specific advice

Conservation areas and Article 4 Directions

What does is mean to live in a conservation area or Article 4 Direction?

Take a look at our Conservation areas and Article 4 Directions page for information on this and more.

Do I need permission to replace windows or doors in a conservation area?

In many cases, houses within a conservation area retain their normal permitted development rights for replacing windows and doors, unless additional controls are in place such as an Article 4 Direction or the building is listed.

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Can I install solar panels on a building within a conservation area?

In many cases, solar panels can be installed under permitted development rights without the need for planning permission, provided certain limits and conditions are met.

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Do I need planning permission to install a heat pump in a conservation area?

Many domestic heat pumps may be installed under permitted development rights, meaning planning permission is not normally required provided the relevant limits and conditions are met.

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Can I remove or alter a tree in a conservation area?

Trees within conservation areas are protected.

You must normally give the council at least six weeks' notice before carrying out works to a tree within a conservation area, unless the tree is already protected by a Tree Preservation Order, in which case separate consent procedures may apply.

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Listed buildings

Does listed building protection apply to the whole building?

Yes. Listed building protection normally applies to the entire building, both inside and outside. It can also include attached structures and buildings or structures within the curtilage of the property that pre-date 1 July 1948.

The list description should not be treated as a complete record of everything that is protected. Features not specifically mentioned in the description may still form part of the listed building.

What do the different listing grades mean?

Listed buildings are classified into one of three grades:

  • Grade I – Buildings of exceptional interest
  • Grade II* – Particularly important buildings of more than special interest
  • Grade II – Buildings of special interest

All listed buildings are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 regardless of grade.

What alterations can I make to a listed building?

Listed building protection applies to the entire building, inside and out. It can also cover attached structures and older buildings within the property's curtilage.

Works that alter the building's character or significance may require Listed Building Consent. This often includes:

  • Structural alterations
  • Removal of historic features
  • Extensions
  • New windows and doors
  • Internal alterations affecting historic fabric

Routine maintenance and like-for-like repairs may not require consent, but we recommend seeking advice before starting work.

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Do listed buildings have permitted development rights?

No. Listed buildings do not benefit from the same householder permitted development rights as unlisted properties.

Planning permission and Listed Building Consent may be required for extensions, outbuildings, alterations or other development affecting the building's special architectural or historic interest.

Each proposal is assessed on its own merits. For further guidance on specific proposals please submit a pre-application enquiry.

How do I apply for Listed Building Consent?

Find details of how to submit your application.

What information will I need to submit with a Listed Building Consent application?

The information required will vary depending on the proposal, but applications commonly include:

  • Existing and proposed drawings/plans
  • A Heritage Impact Assessment and/or Heritage Statement
  • Photographs
  • Supporting technical information where relevant

We strongly recommend seeking pre-application advice before submitting an application, particularly for complex proposals.

Can I replace windows in my listed building?

Listed Building Consent is generally required for replacement windows.

Historic windows should be retained and repaired wherever possible. If replacement is justified, the expectation is normally that new windows will closely match the originals in design, materials and detailing.

For further guidance on specific proposals please submit a pre-application enquiry.

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Can I carry out emergency works to a listed building?

Emergency works may be undertaken without prior Listed Building Consent where they are urgently necessary for health and safety reasons or to preserve the building from further damage.

Such works must be limited to the minimum necessary and the council should be notified as soon as possible: contact the historic environment team.

Where possible, owners should seek professional advice before undertaking emergency works.

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Energy efficiency and maintenance

How can I improve the energy efficiency of my historic building?

Improving energy efficiency in older and historic buildings requires careful consideration to avoid damaging historic fabric or trapping moisture.

Measures should be tailored to the building and may include:

  • Draught proofing
  • Loft insulation
  • Secondary glazing
  • Improved heating controls
  • Repair and maintenance of existing fabric

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Can I install solar panels on a listed building?

Solar panels can sometimes be installed on listed buildings, but they will generally require Listed Building Consent.

Early discussions with the Council are strongly recommended before undertaking any work. 

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Can I install a heat pump on a listed building?

The installation of a heat pump on a listed building would generally require Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission.

Sensitive siting and careful design can often help reduce potential impacts. Early discussions with the Council are strongly recommended.

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What should I do if my historic building has damp?

Damp should be investigated carefully before repairs are undertaken.

The priority should be to identify and address the source of the moisture. Traditional buildings generally perform best when repaired using breathable materials and compatible methods.

We recommend obtaining advice from a suitably experienced building surveyor or conservation specialist.

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How do I find a conservation specialist or contractor?

The council cannot recommend individual contractors. However, the following organisations may assist in identifying suitably qualified professionals.

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Enforcement

How do I report unauthorised works to a listed building or conservation area?

If you believe unauthorised works have been carried out, or planning controls have been breached, you can submit an enforcement enquiry to the council.

What is a 'building at risk'?

A listed building may be considered "at risk" where its condition has deteriorated to the point that its special architectural or historic interest is under threat.

If you are concerned about the condition of a listed building, we recommend seeking specialist professional advice at an early stage. Enforcement concerns should be reported through the council's enforcement process. 

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How do I report concerns about the safety of a building?

Please report concerns through the council's Building Control service.

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Who should I contact about building site safety or dangerous practices?

Health and safety matters on construction sites are regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Useful links:

  • HSE
  • Telephone: 0300 003 1747

How do I contact the Historic Environment Team?