Works that require Listed Building Consent
Listed building consent is required for many kinds of work. Even cleaning or painting the outside of a listed building may need consent. There are some types of works that may not need planning permission but still require listed building consent.
You may not need listed building consent for some day-to-day maintenance or 'like-for-like' repairs. However, if the repair would result in losing significant historic fabric (stonework or decorations, for example) or would change the appearance of the building, it may need listed building consent. Listed buildings vary greatly and because of this, each case must be judged individually.
You still need listed building consent to do urgent works to a listed building, even if the works are needed because a Dangerous Structure or other legal notice has been served. Even if it is not practical to get consent in advance (where disrepair is putting the public in danger, for instance) you must give written notice to the council as soon as reasonably possible.
It is a criminal offence to carry out work, or ask for work to be carried out, to a listed building where consent is required. The penalty for doing so can be severe - an unlimited fine, up to 12 months' imprisonment, or both.
Finding a contractor
The council does not recommend builders or other service providers. However, a wide range of specialist conservation contractors can be found in the online Conservation Directory.