Protection of Listed Buildings

Anyone wishing to demolish or undertake any works on a listed building that would 'affect its character' must obtain 'listed building consent' from the local planning authority (Bracknell Forest Borough Council) or, in some circumstances, the Secretary of State. If you are considering alterations to or demolition of your listed property, you are strongly advised to speak to an officer in Development Control at the Bracknell Forest Borough Council as soon as possible.

Policies EN16 & EN17 of the Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan guide proposals affecting listed buildings. Proposals for the demolition of a building or structure included within the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

Alterations, extensions or changes of use to buildings or structures included within the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest will be permitted only where there would be no adverse affect on:

the external or internal features which define the character of the building or structure; or
the setting of the building or structure

Alterations could include work such as painting, or the refitting of, kitchens and bathrooms. Modern extensions can sometimes be appropriate for Listed Buildings, although careful thought needs to be given to their design so that they do not dominate the building in scale, material or situation. Please note that the 'affect on character' can include the setting of a listed building as well as the building itself.

The fact that a building is listed as of 'special architectural or historic interest' does not mean that it will be preserved intact in all circumstances, but it does ensure that the case for its preservation is fully considered, through the procedure for obtaining listed building consent. This procedure is similar to that for obtaining planning permission, and if an application is refused there is a right to appeal to the Secretary of State.

Application forms relating to work on listed buildings can be downloaded from our Planning Application Forms web page. Please use the link on the right-hand side of this page.