P
H
A

Who Decides What’s Curtilage Listed? Understanding the Power of Local Authorities in Heritage Planning

In the world of heritage planning, one of the most commonly misunderstood concepts is curtilage listing. It’s not unusual for clients, and sometimes even professionals, to be surprised when a seemingly unlisted outbuilding or boundary wall is treated as listed by the local planning authority. What’s even more surprising is that Historic England won’t give you a definitive answer — because they can’t. That responsibility falls squarely to the local planning authority (LPA).

This blog explores what curtilage listing is, why it’s so often a grey area, and, crucially, who decides whether a building falls under this hidden layer of statutory protection.

What is Curtilage Listing?

Curtilage listing is a legal concept, not a separate listing status. It applies when structures within the curtilage of a listed building are considered part of that listing, even if they are not individually mentioned on the National Heritage List for England.

The criteria most often referenced when assessing whether a structure is curtilage listed include:

  • The structure was in existence before 1 July 1948
  • It was physically and functionally associated with the principal listed building at the time of listing
  • It is (or was) within the curtilage — usually taken to mean the land immediately associated with the listed building, such as a garden or courtyard.

But here’s the catch: these tests are based on case law, not a statutory checklist, which means they are open to interpretation.

Historic England’s Position: Advisory, Not Authoritative

A common assumption is that Historic England can confirm whether something is curtilage listed. In reality, whilst they can offer advice and historic context, they do not make legal determinations on curtilage. Their response to enquiries on the topic typically states that it is the responsibility of the local planning authority to decide, as they are the body enforcing the legislation.

In one recent case we worked on, our clients were asked by the council to submit a listed building consent application for a building that was not within the boundary of a listed site and had no historic, physical, or functional connection to the listed building. It was constructed decades later and had always served a different purpose. We reached out to Historic England for clarification — and were told, as many others have been, that it’s up to the LPA to interpret and apply the law.

This can be frustrating for clients who want a clear-cut answer, but it underscores the need for early and thorough heritage due diligence.

Why This Matters in Practice

If a structure is considered curtilage listed, any alterations, extensions, or demolitions require listed building consent, just as if it were listed in its own right.

Failing to obtain consent can result in:

  • Planning refusal of otherwise acceptable proposals
  • Delays in projects due to unexpected validation requirements
  • Retrospective applications, enforcement action, or even prosecution if works have already been carried out

This is particularly problematic for developers or homeowners who purchase land assuming certain buildings are unlisted, only to be told later (sometimes mid-application) that they fall under curtilage protection.

The Local Planning Authority’s Discretion

Whilst guidance exists, the application of curtilage listing can vary between councils. Some take a pragmatic approach, focusing on historical associations and the relevance of the structure today. Others adopt a precautionary stance, erring on the side of inclusion unless clear evidence is provided to the contrary.

In some cases, councils have considered buildings to be curtilage listed despite a lack of historical association or clear functional connection. Once the LPA makes this call, it can be difficult, though not impossible, to challenge.

The courts have weighed in on this in the past, with judgments providing some legal grounding. Notable cases such as Skerritts of Nottingham Ltd v Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (2000) and Burton v Camden LBC (2000) have clarified aspects of the definition, but grey areas remain, particularly in relation to what constitutes a “functional” relationship or a “curtilage” boundary.

Navigating Curtilage Uncertainty: What You Can Do

At Aurora Heritage Planning, we regularly support clients in navigating this tricky territory. Our recommendations for managing the risk of curtilage listing include:

  • Early historical research into the structure’s construction date, ownership history, and original function
  • Map regression analysis and review of tithe maps, estate plans, and historic OS maps
  • Engaging the LPA early, through pre-application advice or informal conversations, to understand their stance
  • Legal advice, in cases where the stakes are high or where there is conflicting interpretation
  • Heritage statements that clearly set out evidence for or against curtilage listing, helping to inform the council’s decision.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Assume – Ask Early

Curtilage listing isn’t just a technicality, it has real, legal implications for how and when you can make changes to buildings and land. And while Historic England offers useful guidance, the decision ultimately lies with the local planning authority.

If you’re planning work on or near a listed building and aren’t sure whether an adjoining or associated structure might be considered curtilage listed, don’t wait until your application is submitted to find out. Early advice can save time, money, and frustration down the line.

Need support navigating a tricky site?

Aurora Heritage Planning specialises in unpicking complex heritage constraints. Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or developer, we’re here to make heritage simple — and help your project move forward with clarity.

📞 Call us on 020 3026 4372

📩 Or book a free discovery call via our website

Recent posts

Kate's Talk at the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting

I spoke at the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting March 28th 2025 in the Paper Session ‘Local Government in Multi-Level Territorial Governance Systems’. My topic specifically was on Digital Urban Planning in Different Cultures: Systematic Review of the Literature.
Read more

Protecting Your Heritage: A Guide to Listed Building Insurance

Listed buildings are legally protected due to their historical or architectural significance, which means owners must follow strict...
Read more

Winterproofing Series: Insulation

This week in our Winterproofing Series, following on from last week's blog, now that your roof has been successfully repaired, we can...
Read more
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.