After a conversation with someone from English Heritage, Debbie and Laurence Osborne were encouraged that an ultramodern extension to their grade II listed home would be accepted, as long as the original structure was conserved. The result is a singlestorey cedar-clad addition with a zinc roof, which includes an exposed original wall in the new space
RICHARD DOWNER
Extending a listed building will almost always be a much trickier proposition in comparison to adding space to an unlisted (and particularly modern) property. Getting it right and securing permission to do the project will involve a number of important and complex considerations. Here’s what you need to know.
Consent
Any extension to a designated property will require listed building consent (LBC). Whether you also need planning permission will depend on much the same considerations as any other extension. Listed buildings are often also in conservation areas, which usually means that permitted development rights have been restricted (always worth checking with your local planning authority). Note also that any demolition in a conservation area will need planning permission, for example if there is a preexisting extension to be removed as part of the work.
The normal practice is to submit two identical applications: one for LBC (which is free to submit) and one for planning permission (which involves a fee). The decision on whether to grant LBC lies with the local conservation officer (for grade I and grade II* listed buildings, Historic England must also be consulted but this is a small proportion of applications). Try to speak with the conservation officer at the beginning of the process to make sure what you are planning has a chance of gaining consent. That tends to mean engaging in a preapplication consultation, for which there is usually a fee.
What factors are taken into account when the authorities are considering your application? l The significance of the building (ie what makes it special enough to be listed). l Its size, style, architectural form and condition. l Any previous alterations or extensions.