Steps to Success: Changing the Use of a Listed Building

You Will Need Listed Building Consent

No matter the alterations you wish to carry out on a listed property you own, you will require planning permission. In the U.K., planning permission applies to new buildings as well as those of historic interest. Whether you have a grade i listed building, grade ii listed building, or grade ii* listed building, will impact how easy it is to change the use of the building. Depending on the grade of a listed building, it may be more straightforward, however, there are still laws you must follow and if you do not, you will be committing a criminal offence.

All listed buildings can be found on the Historic England website, along with details as to whether the whole building is listed or just a specific aspect. To change the purpose of a listed building, you will need to write to your local planning authority for listed building consent.

Local authorities have the power to deny listed building consent based on government planning guidance. The permitted development of any listed building must preserve its historical, architectural and cultural interest. If you go ahead without prior written consent and make changes to a listed building, you will be issued with a listed building enforcement notice.

Once you have planning permission, it is possible to change the use of a listed building with the help of a skilled architectural designer. We can help you to navigate this step, with a free consultation call.

The Different Uses of Listed Buildings

Listed buildings have many different uses in the U.K. Below, is a list of how a listed building can be legally used:

Residential Use – A large number of listed buildings are private residences and owners of listed properties.

Commercial Use – A listed building can be used for commercial activity, this can include shops, restaurants, bars, offices, and more.

Cultural and Educational Facilities – Some listed buildings are used as cultural and educational centres such as museums and can be freely accessed by the public.

Religious Buildings – Churches and Cathedrals are commonly listed buildings and are used for religious purposes, communal activities, and events.

Tourism and Hospitality – Many listed buildings in this country are converted into hotels, guesthouses, and other types of accommodation.

Government and Civic Use – Some listed buildings are owned by the government such as courthouses and town halls.

Industrial Heritage – Various buildings such as warehouses and mills are listed and repurposed for residential, cultural, or commercial use.

Parks and Gardens – Outdoor areas such as gardens and parks are commonly listed. They are generally accessible to the public.

Transport Infrastructure – Transport infrastructure spanning bridges and stations can be listed and is generally conserved for use for future generations.

The predominant request we experience at Christopher David Design regarding the topic of change use of listed building, involves transitioning from residential to commercial use, or vice versa.

No matter whether you own a grade ii listed building or a grade i listed building, the procedure is always the same. So, what is the process of preparing to change the use of a listed building?

Preparing to Change the use of a listed building

Preparing to change the use of a listed building is a meticulous process and one that will require consideration throughout. The planning application step can take some time, particularly if your plans are not favoured by local planning authorities. 

For this reason, you must conduct thorough research to avoid a planning enforcement notice. As you likely already know, there are many regulations and guidelines in place to ensure that listed building owners protect the property’s character. Your local government can advise on the process to obtain written consent if you have not navigated such a situation before.

Begin with a detailed assessment of your listed building

First and foremost, you will need to carry out a detailed assessment of the building’s historical and architectural value. This will help you to better understand its listed building status and the unique features that must be preserved. 

We advise that you collaborate closely with heritage experts, conservation officers, heritage specialists, and architectural designers for this. They will be able to provide you with the insights needed to ensure that your proposed changes align with any conservation principles. A detailed analysis will allow you to be realistic about how you can alter the building while protecting its conservation areas.

Write your listed building consent application with care

As mentioned, the regulatory landscape of altering a grade-listed building can be complex. You will be required to submit detailed proposals, and impact assessments, and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the building’s heritage. Historic England has published information to help you with this stage.

Consider Your Finances

Financial considerations are also paramount and a realistic budget for restoration and the desired changes in use should be decided upon. You will have the option to seek funding, grants or tax incentives for heritage preservation which can greatly reduce the pressure of financial burdens.

Christopher David Design is a trusted, specialist architectural designer with experience in altering listed buildings while preserving historic interest. Contact our team to learn more about our process and how we bring our client’s design visions to life.