Listed building consent

If your property is a listed building, you may need special permission before making any changes. Listed buildings are protected because of their historic or architectural importance, and this protection applies to the whole building, inside and out.

You can still make changes, but you may need listed building consent to make sure the building’s special character is protected.

What is a listed building?

A listed building is one that has been recognised as having special architectural or historic interest. Listing helps protect important features so these buildings can be enjoyed by future generations.

Being listed does not mean that changes are banned. It simply means you must get listed building consent for any work that could affect the building’s character.

You can search for listed buildings and find more information on the Historic Environment Scotland website.

When you need listed building consent

You must apply for listed building consent for any work that affects the character of a listed building. This includes work inside or outside the building, extensions, or demolition.

You will usually need consent for:

• replacing windows or doors
• re‑roofing
• removing chimneys
• major repointing or rendering
• stone cleaning or repainting the exterior
• removing walls or creating new openings
• altering staircases, fireplaces or decorative features

You do not need consent for like‑for‑like repairs or repainting in the same colour scheme.

Carrying out work without listed building consent is a criminal offence.

You can apply online through ePlanning Scotland.

Policies and guidance

Historic Environment Scotland is consulted on:

• all listed building consent applications for Category A and B listed buildings
• all applications involving demolition
• planning applications that may affect the setting of a Category A listed building
• applications for the demolition of unlisted buildings in conservation areas

The Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS) sets out how Scotland’s historic environment should be cared for and is an important consideration when we make decisions on applications.

For detailed advice on making changes to historic buildings, you can read the Managing Change guidance.