You need to obtain listed building consent if you want to demolish or alter a listed building in a way which affects its historic fabric or character. This tight control isn't intended to prevent reasonable alterations but ensures the character of the historic building isn't damaged.
You can use our development enquiry service for a one hour online historic environment pre-application advice and information meeting held on MS Teams with a Historic Environment Officer. Face to face meetings either at Ballard House or on site can be requested to discuss your proposal subject to officer availability. Please see the Strategic Planning & Infrastructure Fees Policy to confirm the cost of the meeting.
Email planningconsents@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304366 for more information and to book an appointment.
How to apply
The quickest and easiest way to apply for listed building consent is on the Planning Portal.
Apply for listed building consent
Our planning application forms are also available to print from the Planning Portal. Select 'Plymouth City Council' as the planning authority, choose your application type, print out the application form and return it to Planning Department, Floor 2, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth PL1 3BJ.
Heritage statements
Guidance on heritage information to be submitted with planning applications
When you apply for listed building consent you'll also need to produce a heritage statement which should contain the following information:
Should include:
- Basic information about the listed building, conservation area and/or heritage asset
- Grade of listed building and listed building description (Grade II, Grade II* or Grade I)
- Date of building or heritage asset
- Name of architect/builder (if known)
- Description of features of the building
- Name and character of the conservation area (if relevant)
- The heritage asset's contribution to the setting of the listed building or conservation area (if relevant)
- Description of the significance of the specific part affected by the proposal
Should include:
- The impact of the proposal on the heritage asset (listed building, conservation area or heritage asset)
- How the proposal will harm, enhance or preserve the significance of the heritage asset
- How the proposal will impact upon the heritage asset
Should include:
- Why the works are required
- Any harmful impacts of the works (the more the harm, the greater the justification needed)
- Any benefits to the public
- Any alternatives which would cause less or no harm
Heritage statements should be supported by photographs, maps and drawings to illustrate any points made.
Historic England provide a Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance publication which might be useful when preparing a heritage statement.
All proposals will require building control approval so you should consult with them at an early stage to avoid any possible conflict. Email buildcon@plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304343 for more information. Historic England will also have to approve any alterations to Grade II* and Grade I buildings. Commencing work to a listed building without consent could result in a fine.
Consent for alterations is more often granted than refused, but as making alterations to a listed building can be a complex matter so it is a good idea to discuss your plans with us as soon as possible (see details above).