Repairs and maintenance to listed buildings

The owner of a listed building has a special responsibility to maintain it in a sound state of repair. As a general rule it is always preferable to repair, rather than replace, original features.

Most listed and historic buildings were built of a construction and design that is very different from modern buildings. It is, therefore, very important that traditional repairs be carried out.

Where a repair is carried out on a strictly like for like basis then listed building consent is not required; for example, decayed pointing must be matched with new mortar of a similar colour, mix and finish to the historic.

Where a new repair technique is considered then listed building consent may be required.

A condition survey is carried out periodically on all listed buildings and the results collated in the heritage at risk database.