A building is listed by English Heritage if it has special architectural and historic interest, and also brings it under the consideration of the planning system so that all extensions and alteration enhance the historic fabric of the property.
Listing is not a preservation order, preventing change. Listing is an identification stage where buildings are marked and celebrated as having exceptional architectural or historic special interest, before any planning stage which may decide a building’s future.
Listing does not freeze a building in time, it simply means that listed building consent must be applied for in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its special interest. Listed buildings can be altered, extended and sometimes even demolished within government planning guidance. The local authority uses listed building consent to make decisions that balance the site’s historic significance against other issues such as its function, condition or viability.
Unauthorised alterations are a criminal offence and the Local Authority has the power to enforce the repair of dilapidated buildings. The Local Authority can also make the owner right any works that do not have listed building consent.
We have worked on many listed buildings in the last 13 years and understand the necessary processes imposed by the Local Authority. Daniel Cooper is an affiliate of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and is currently studying in his last year for an MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. He was awarded the Purcell Miller Tritton 2012 Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Years 1 and 2..
We have undertaken works on listed buildings throughout the South East and in particular within the Kent area, including Tonbridge, Seal in Sevenoaks, Mayfield, Sundridge and Rye in Sussex.
We can undertake as much or as little of this liaison process as required to suit your requirements and budget.
