Listed buildings

It's a criminal offence to extend, change or demolish a listed building without listed building consent

What is a listed building?

A listed building is a building that appears on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

This applies to the inside and the outside of the building, and any work affecting the character of the building.

Check if a building is listed

To find out if a building is listed, search the National Heritage List of England

You can also use our interactive map

If you want to carry out works to a listed building

You can apply for listed building consent via the Planning Portal

You must submit a heritage statement explaining:

  • the significance of the building;
  • why the work is desirable or necessary to preserve or enhance the building; and,
  • how the work won't harm the building's character and appearance.

You'll also need to submit a design and access statement

We've produced our own guidance on design and access statements, available below.

View the Design and access statements (PDF, 294KB) guidance notes.

We may refuse your application if you don't give us enough information.