Listed Building Consent

There are a limited number of buildings within Stevenage that are listed; these are predominantly located within Stevenage Old Town. Buildings and structures are listed for their special architectural or historic interest. To find out if a building or structure is listed, please refer to our listing here or contact us on 01438 242159 for further clarification. 

Listed buildings and structures are protected by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Accordingly, consent is required for works which go beyond repair and maintenance and which affect the character of the listed building as one of special architectural or historic interest. Such works could range from the addition of signage to demolition, or the provision of an extension. It should be noted that internal works may also need consent and appropriate detail of the proposal must be provided.

The following basic information will normally be required as part of the application:-

• statement to justify proposals and show why alterations or demolition is desirable or necessary;
• a structural report may be required where adaptation is involved or where works of alteration are such that it needs to be demonstrated that the building can withstand the proposal;
• survey drawings, of existing situation comprising plans and elevations - supplemented with cross-section(s) where appropriate e.g. where a timber-framed building is involved;
• fully annotated proposal drawings comprising plans and elevations

These drawings will usually need to be more detailed than planning application drawings. They should clearly identify the proposed works.

There is no application fee for listed building consent applications. A total of 6 sets of drawings, some to be used for consultation purposes, will enable your application to be dealt with more speedily. A standard application form can be downloaded from this website, or you can submit an application online through the planning portal, alternatively you can request that application forms are sent to you by post.

• Application for Listed Building Consent for Alterations, Extensions or Demolition of a Listed Building
• Listed Building Validation Checklist
• Design and Access Statements

For advice regarding proposed works to a Listed building please contact a Planning Officer on 01438 242159 or email planning@stevenage.gov.uk

It is a criminal offence to carry out works to a listed building without prior listed building consent - even if you did not know that the building was listed. Carrying out unauthorised work is punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the Council can require you to put the building back the way it was.

Can I do emergency work to a listed building?

Emergency work can be carried out to a listed building without prior consent providing you can subsequently prove all of the following:

• that the works were urgently necessary in the interest of safety or health or for the preservation of the building;
• it was not practical to secure public safety or health or preserve the building by works of repair or temporary support or shelter;
• that the work was limited to the minimum measures immediately necessary;
• that notice in writing justifying in detail the work was given to the Council as soon as reasonably practicable.