Works to listed buildings

Before carrying out any works to a listed property, please contact the Royal Borough of Greenwich for advice.  It is a criminal offence to demolish or alter a listed building without listed building consent.

Making an application

There is no fee for dealing with an application for listed building consent. You will need to complete the listed building consent application form and return it to the Planning Department. You will usually need to apply for planning permission as well.

You can find the listed building consent and other planning application forms on The Planning Portal.

Works that require listed building consent

Here are some examples of works that require listed building consent. Note that this list is NOT exhaustive.

Extensions

For example: porches, dormer windows and conservatories.

Demolition

Demolition of any part of a listed building, including chimneys or any structures within the grounds (also called 'curtilage') of the listed building.

Fixtures

For example: satellite dishes, shutters, burglar alarms, meter boxes, soil and ventilation pipes, rainwater pipes and gutters.

External alterations

For example: rendering, cladding or painting any part of a building.

Internal alterations

For example: the subdivision of rooms or removal of walls and the insertion, alteration or removal of historic features such as doors, fireplaces, panelling, staircases and decorative mouldings.

Changing internal decoration may also require consent.

Alterations to 'curtilage' structures

Structures within the 'curtilage' or grounds of a listed building such as outbuildings, garden walls and statues may also require listed building consent.

Repairs

Consent is NOT normally required for repairs to listed buildings provided that the work is identical in every respect of design, techniques and materials.

Assessment of applications

The Royal Borough will assess whether the proposal will be damaging to the special architectural and historic interest of the building. 

Listing is not meant to fossilise a building. Preservation is always the priority but buildings can evolve and develop their character over time.

Changes can often be accommodated if the special character of the building is respected.