What to do if you uncover unauthorised alterations on a listed building

The UK is home to around 400,000 listed buildings and many of these buildings are privately owned. However, owning a listed building doesn’t mean that you can automatically do what you wish to it.

 

While a listing identifies and celebrates the building’s special historical and architectural interest, it also falls under the planning system. However, you can still extend and alter a listed building and, if necessary, even demolish it if government planning guidance approves it. Your local authority will use listed building consent to enable a balance between the structure’s historic significance against specific issues such as its condition, viability or function.

 

Failure to obtain written building consent before making any alterations to your listed building is a criminal offence, and you could face severe penalties. Making alterations will mean you are liable to receive a listed building enforcement notice. This notice enables authorities to either lessen or reverse the alternations carried out. You will have to pay the bill for these works, and you may also face a hefty fine and even a prison sentence.