What is a listed building consent, and do you need it?

Listed Building Consent (LBC) is a legal requirement for any alterations, extensions, or demolition of a listed building in the UK.

Listed buildings are structures of particular architectural or historic interest that are placed on statutory lists maintained by Historic England.

LBC ensures that any changes to listed buildings are appropriate and sympathetic to their character, thereby helping to protect a rare and unique resource.

The consent process is similar to the planning permission process, and it is a criminal offence to carry out work without LBC consent.

The whole building, including its interior, fixtures, fittings, and objects within the curtilage, is designated for protection, not just the exterior or main elevation. This doesn’t mean that every part of the building is of equal significance or ‘specialness’. We will discuss your project with you and help make sense of your building.

LBC is required even for relatively minor new work, such as replacing an external door or guttering. Owners are often required to use specific materials or techniques when altering listed buildings, and they may face criminal prosecution if they fail to maintain or repair them or carry out unauthorised work.