Designations and constraints
Listed buildings
There are over 1,300 statutorily Listed Buildings in the Lancaster district, which have been designated for their special architectural or historic interest. Statutorily listed buildings are graded to show their importance:
- Grade I - buildings of exceptional quality
- Grade II* - particularly important buildings
- Grade II - buildings of special interest
You can search Historic England’s website to see if a building is listed: www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/
Listed Buildings are protected to ensure they are preserved for future generations. For any alterations, extensions or proposals involving demolition of a Listed Building, you are required to apply for Listed Building Consent before any works commence. Listed Building Consent is free to apply for. These restrictions apply to the interior and exterior of the Listed Building and also any building, wall or structure which was constructed prior to 1 July 1948 within the grounds of the principal building. Not obtaining Listed Building Consent prior to carrying out any works is a criminal offence and the owner may be liable to prosecution or enforcement action.
Any alterations to boundary walls or outbuildings, or the erection of a new outbuilding, is likely to require Planning Permission as it may impact the setting of the Listed Building. It is, therefore, advised to contact the Conservation Team or Development Management Team to check if Listed Building Consent or Planning Permission is required for any works.
- Conservation Team – conservationteam@lancaster.gov.uk or 01524582360
- Development Management Team – dm@lancaster.gov.uk or 01524582950
For any applications which would affect a Listed Building, there are some standard requirements for the level of information you must provide (e.g. application form, existing and proposed plans, Design and Access Statement incorporating a Heritage Statement) and potentially some site specific requirements (e.g. tree surveys). For advice on requirements for applications, please refer to our Planning Application Validation Guide (PDF).
Further information
Please view our Conservation web page.
Last updated: 04 July 2023