Which permitted development rights do I have with a listed building?

I hear this on a regular basis ‘PD rights do not exist with listed buildings!’ Many people assume that just because their property is a Listed Building they do not have permitted development rights. This is not true! There are fewer rights than within a conservation area or AONB – but just because it is a listed building it doesn’t block you from all rights. 

However, you DO usually require listed building consent. If the changes are minor then you may not even need this. if in doubt check with the conservation officer. Remember unauthorised works on a listed building could be a criminal act. Note that these restrictions will apply to the curtilage of a listed building as well as the listed building itself.

Engage with the conservation officer at any early stage. However just because you have permitted development rights and do not need full planning, does not regretfully, mean that you can go ahead unless the conservation officer or local authority grants listed building consent.

Yes, there are restrictions – but it certainly doesn’t mean that you do not have them.

This page will dispel a few myths….

What can I do with my house if it is listed??

Before you start altering your dwelling, consult the conservation officer to see if additional permissions are required. You might also have planning restrictions via an Article 4 or a previous planning application.

This page is a guide only and you are welcome to check the legislation on each page that is linked below to clarify any other restrictions.

Unless specified these rights only apply to dwellinghouses and not to flats.

Extensions  ✅  – More Information
Replacement windows and doors  ✅ – More Information 
Velux roof windows (front or back)  ✅ – More Information
Porches  ✅  – More Information
Driveways  ✅  – More information
Chimney / Flue   ✅  – More information
Satellite dishes   ✅  – More information
Access to unclassified road  ✅  – More information
Exterior painting  ✅  – More information
Ground source heat pumps  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Water source heat pumps  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Flue for biomass   ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Flue for micro combined heat and power   ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Demolition of walls or fences  ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings under 50 cubic metres ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings subject to prior approval ✅  – More information

Changes of Use in a Listed Building

You can certainly benefit for changes of use within a listed building. Although the only option to convert to residential is Class G, with 2 flats above  a Use Class E unit. Check each section for any other requirements that might affect you. Note you will still require listed building consent. 

Casino, Betting Office, PayDay Loan shop or Hot food Takeaway to Use Class E  ✅  – More information
Pub or wine bar to pub with expanded food  ✅  – More information
Two flats above Use Class E, PayDay Loan shop or Betting shop  ✅  – More information
Industrial B2 to Storage B8  ✅  – More information
C3 Dwelling to C4 HMO  ✅  – More information
State funded schools or Nursery to Use Class E, Hotels, Care homes etc. ✅  – More information

Commercial properties rights in a Listed Building

You can still benefit from permitted development rights on commercial properties in a listed building.  Check each section for any other conditions or restrictions that might apply.  Note you may still require listed building consent.

Temporary buildings  ✅  – More information
Moveable structures  ✅  – More information
Temporary school for 2 years  ✅  – More information
Temporary school for 3 years  ✅  – More information
Ground source heat pumps  ✅  – More information
Water source heat pumps  ✅  – More information
Demolition of walls or fences  ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings under 50 cubic metres ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings subject to prior approval ✅  – More information

Other matters

Other permitted development rights may exist in a listed building or within the curtilage of a listed building and we will update this page once those sections are added to Planning Geek.

Note that PD rights are sometimes changed and therefore before starting work you are advised to check legislation or book a Zoom call with Ian to clarify your situation. 

Page Updated: 21st March 2023

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