The Metro has published an accessible article on listed buildings and related consent issues, linked to the recent Listed Property Show, attended by the IHBC and hosted by the Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC), writing that there ‘are around half a million listed buildings in England, from cottages to castles and pubs to palaces and you can find out if a property is listed by searching the National Heritage List for England at historicengland.org.uk.’
The Metro writes:
THERE are around half a million listed buildings in England, from cottages to castles and pubs to palaces. Listing denotes a building’s architectural and historic importance and falls into three categories — II, II* and I — and is designed to protect it from alterations that could potentially ruin its character. ‘If you want a beautiful period house, it’s likely to be listed,’ says Luke Morgan, from estate agency Strutt & Parker’s National Country House department. Few people know more about listed properties than Peter Bell, conservation adviser at the Listed Property Owners’ Club. We put some questions to him:
What aspects of a property are covered by a listing?
Listing normally protects the entire building, inside and out, and any structures attached to it (including modern extensions) or falling within its curtilage. It sometimes includes garden walls, outbuildings and even statuary.
Why are buildings listed?
Buildings are selected for a range of qualities, the most significant being their age. The older a building is, the more likely it is to be listed. All buildings built before 1700 which have survived in anything like their original condition are listed, as are most dating from 1700 to 1840.
What are the challenges of owning a listed property?
Statutory protection inevitably brings with it some regulation and bureaucracy. The cost of maintenance is sometimes higher than in non-listed buildings as it’s often necessary to source specialist craftsmen and traditional materials for repairs.
Is it possible to make alterations to a listed property?
All alterations which affect the character require listed building consent which is administered by the local planning authority. It is up to applicants and their architects or surveyors to present the proposals and to explain how the alterations preserve or enhance the significance of the listed building. Applications which harm its character are likely to be refused but well-designed alterations which are convincingly presented are normally approved.
Do I need permission to decorate?
Redecoration hardly ever requires listed building consent. Exceptions include painting surfaces which were previously unpainted or where the decoration could conceal or harm the building’s character, for example a pink elevation in a white terrace.
What happens if I’m interested in buying a listed property, and discover that unauthorised works have been carried out?
Altering a listed building without consent is a criminal offence, so caution is advisable. It is vital to ensure that any alterations by the previous owners have been granted listed building consent. It doesn’t matter who did the work, or how long ago, it will become the new owners’ responsibility. If you go ahead with the purchase you may be liable to reverse any additions or alterations that do not have consent. It is possible to take out a policy that includes cover for older unauthorised alterations to listed buildings.
For the LPOC see lpoc.co.uk
https://www.metro.news/are-you-on-the-list/946339/
