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Handle With Care: Navigating the Challenges of Listed Building Projects 

Working on listed buildings can be both rewarding and seriously challenging.  

On the one hand, you get to preserve and enhance a piece of history recognised for its special architectural or historic significance.  

On the other hand, you have to navigate a whole slew of strict rules and regulations surrounding what you can and can’t do.  

One wrong move could result in legal trouble and costly or even irreversible damage. 

This article explores the key challenges of working with listed buildings and how specialist expertise is a prerequisite to doing so with success.

Understanding of Listed Properties

A listed building is a building or structure listed on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) (for England – Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own lists). 

There are over 500,000 listed buildings in the UK, ranging from grand castles and cathedrals to humble cottages and industrial relics.  

They are graded according to their significance: 

  • Grade I: Buildings of exceptional interest (2.5% of listed buildings) 

  • Grade II*: Particularly important buildings of more than special interest (5.8%) 

  • Grade II: Buildings of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them (91.7%) 

Any work carried out on a listed building must preserve its special character and interest.  

This includes both external and internal alterations, extensions, and sometimes even repairs.  

Carrying out unauthorised works on a listed building is a criminal offence, punishable by unlimited fines and even imprisonment.  

Obtaining Listed Building Consent

Before starting work on a listed property, obtaining listed building consent from the local planning authority is mandatory.  

Reputable building contractors will not start work until this is received. 

This consent is separate from planning permission and is required for any alterations that affect the building’s special architectural or historic interest. 

The application process can be complex, requiring detailed plans, heritage impact assessments and discussions with conservation officers.  

Experienced listed building contractors like us at Corella will guide clients through this process. 

Listed Buildings Demand a Specialist Approach

Working on listed buildings demands a highly sensitive approach, focusing on conserving original fabric and minimising intervention.  

Repairs should use traditional materials and techniques, such as lime mortars and plasters, reclaimed timber and stone, and lead roofing, wherever possible.  

The exact rules and specifications for the project ultimately depend on the building in question. 

Upgrading Listed Buildings

Upgrading listed buildings for modern use also demands ingenuity and compromise.  

Integrating heating, plumbing, and electrics requires skilled design and craftsmanship 

Again, the goal is to balance modern comfort and efficiency with preserving historic character. 

The Rewards of Heritage Conservation

At Corella, we understand that working on listed buildings requires specialised expertise, sensitivity and adherence to regulations.  

We have a proven track record in such projects. Our team works closely with clients to navigate the consent process, develop sensitive plans and deliver high-quality results that preserve the character of these historic properties. 

View our projects here or contact us today to discuss your listed building project. 

Written by: Amy Jones