Which permitted development rights do I have with a listed building?

A listed building does not automatically lose every permitted development right. The planning-permission question and the listed-building-consent question are separate, however, and that distinction is crucial. A proposal may be permitted development for planning purposes but still require listed building consent before work can lawfully start.

Permitted development rights deal with the need for planning permission; they do not remove the separate listed-building controls. Under section 7 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, listed building consent is required for demolition and for alteration or extension works which would affect the building’s character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The legal test is therefore the effect on character, not simply whether the works look ‘minor’. Carrying out works which require listed building consent without authorisation can be a criminal offence.

The protection can also extend to objects or structures fixed to the listed building and to certain structures within its curtilage which have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948. That does not mean every modern structure or every operation anywhere in the curtilage is itself listed. See our listed buildings guide for the wider rules.

It is sensible to discuss potentially sensitive works with the local planning authority’s conservation team at an early stage. A project can be permitted development for planning purposes and still require listed building consent before the works may lawfully proceed.

Yes, there are restrictions – but it certainly doesn’t mean that you do not have them.

This page will dispel a few myths….

What can I do with my house if it is listed?

Before you start altering your dwelling, consult the conservation officer to see if additional permissions are required. You might also have planning restrictions via an Article 4 or a previous planning application.

This page is a guide only and you are welcome to check the legislation on each page that is linked below to clarify any other restrictions.

Unless specified these rights only apply to dwellinghouses and not to flats. A green tick here only answers the planning-permission question under the GPDO; it does not mean that listed building consent is unnecessary for works affecting the special architectural or historic interest of the building.

Extensions  ✅  – More Information
Replacement windows and doors  ✅ – More Information
Velux roof windows (front or back)  ✅ – More Information
Porches  ✅  – More Information
Driveways  ✅  – More information
Chimney / Flue   ✅  – More information
Satellite dishes   ✅  – More information
Access to unclassified road  ✅  – More information
Exterior painting  ✅  – More information
Solar PV or thermal equipment on the listed dwellinghouse, or a building within its curtilage, under Class A  ❌  – More information
Stand-alone solar within the curtilage of a listed building under Class B  ❌  – More information
Ground source heat pumps  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Water source heat pumps  ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Flue for biomass   ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Flue for micro combined heat and power   ✅  – More information (also for flats)
Demolition of walls or fences  ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings under 50 cubic metres ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings subject to prior approval ✅  – More information

Changes of Use in a Listed Building

Some change-of-use permitted development rights can still apply to a listed building, but many residential conversion classes exclude listed buildings. Class G may allow up to two flats above certain commercial uses where all of its conditions are met. The planning permission and listed building consent regimes remain separate, so works needed to carry out the change may still require listed building consent.

Casino, Betting Office, PayDay Loan shop or Hot food Takeaway to Use Class E  ✅  – More information
Pub or wine bar to pub with expanded food  ✅  – More information
Two flats above Use Class E, PayDay Loan shop or Betting shop  ✅  – More information
Industrial B2 to Storage B8  ✅  – More information
C3 Dwelling to C4 HMO  ✅  – More information
State funded schools or Nursery to Use Class E, Hotels, Care homes etc. ✅  – More information

Commercial properties rights in a Listed Building

You can still benefit from permitted development rights on commercial properties in a listed building.  Check each section for any other conditions or restrictions that might apply.  Note you may still require listed building consent.

Temporary buildings  ✅  – More information
Moveable structures  ✅  – More information
Temporary school for 2 years  ✅  – More information
Temporary school for 3 years  ✅  – More information
Ground source heat pumps  ✅  – More information
Water source heat pumps  ✅  – More information
Demolition of walls or fences  ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings under 50 cubic metres ✅  – More information
Demolition of buildings subject to prior approval ✅  – More information

Other matters

Other permitted development rights may exist, but a listed building always needs the two regimes kept separate: the GPDO answers whether planning permission is granted, while listed building consent controls works affecting the building’s special interest.

Permitted development rights do change. Before committing to work, check the current class and whether listed building consent is also required. If you would like us to look at your particular property, you can book a planning consultation.

Page Updated: 29th August 2026

Conservation, Heritage & Protected Sites