The Government, or in some cases the Local Planning Authority, can "list" a building on the grounds that it is of special architectural or historical interest. When a building has been listed in this way, no works may be done to it without permission if those works would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historical interest. To carry out such works without the consent of the Local Planning Authority or the Secretary of State is a criminal offence.
Where it appears to the Local Planning Authority that unauthorised works have been carried out to a listed building, the Local Planning Authority can serve upon the landowner a "listed building enforcement notice" requiring the restoration of the building to its former state. A notice of this kind can be appealed. Our Planning Law Team can assist you with an appeal of this kind or an appeal against a refusal of "listed building consent" i.e. an application to do works to a listed building. However if such an appeal is unsuccessful failure to comply with a listed building enforcement notice may be a criminal offence for which the Local Planning Authority may bring a prosecution.
