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February 3, 2024

National Planning Policy Framework and Listed Building Consent Applications

National Planning Policy Framework and Listed Building Consent Applications

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the government's planning policy for England and sets out the government's vision for sustainable development. The NPPF applies to all planning applications, including applications for listed building consent.

Listed buildings are buildings of special architectural or historical interest that are protected by law. Planning permission is required for any works to a listed building, including works of alteration, extension or demolition.

How to use the NPPF for Listed Building Consent planning applications

The NPPF contains a number of policies that are relevant to listed building consent planning applications. These policies set out the government's expectations for how local planning authorities should assess and determine these applications.

The following are some of the key NPPF policies that are relevant to Listed Building Consent planning applications:

  • Paragraph 195 states that heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and should be conserved in a manner that is consistent with their significance.
  • Paragraph 206 states that any harm to a designated heritage asset should require clear and convincing justification.
  • Paragraph 208 states that minor or less than substantial harm to a designated heritage asset should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal, including its impact on sustainable development.

When making a Listed Building Consent planning application, it is important to have a good understanding of the NPPF policies that are relevant to your proposal. You should also be able to demonstrate how your proposal has been designed to preserve and enhance the significance of the listed building.

Here are some tips for using the NPPF to support your Listed Building Consent planning application:

  • Identify the significance of the listed building. This can be done by reviewing the listing text and other historical and architectural information about the building.
  • Assess the impact of your proposal on the significance of the listed building. This could include considering the impact on the building's fabric, character, setting and any important features.
  • Explain how your proposal has been designed to preserve and enhance the significance of the listed building. This could include using traditional materials and construction methods, and incorporating sensitive design solutions.
  • Consider the public benefits of your proposal. This could include the economic, social and environmental benefits of the proposal.

If your proposal would lead to harm to the listed building, explain why this harm is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh that harm, or why the harm could not be reduced or avoided altogether.

It is also important to liaise with your local planning authority and/or a professional heritage consultant before making a listed building consent planning application. They can provide you with advice on the NPPF policies that are relevant to your proposal and can help you to develop a successful application.

You can access the full version of the NPPF here.

If you would like help with a planning application for Listed Building Consent, please get in touch!

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