Is it a Listed Building?

Some properties have been considered exceptional examples of property which are worthy of retention. These are listed by the local authority and given a grading as to the importance of the building and how much of it can be changed.
Grade I means it is worth of retention externally, but internally can be altered without Listed Building Consent.
Grade II means the property must be retained in its entirety both inside and out. Any alterations will require Listed Building Consent. The majority of Listed Buildings fall within this catagory.
Grade II* means the retention of the property is of very high importance and any alterations are very unlikely to be approved.
To find out whether a property is listed, contact the local planning authority which it falls within.

How do I alter a Listed Building?

Any alterations to a Listed Building, or even a building within the grounds of a Listed Building requires Listed Building Consent, and depending on the proposals may also require Planning Permission.

A Listed Building application does not require a fee unless it is accompanied by a Planning Application as well, you will also need to complete a form including a certificate stating who owns the site and that they are aware of the application, a site location plan with the site boundary outlined in red, some plans indicating what is intended and a Design & Access Statement.