Huntingdonshire has a rich history and this is reflected in the large number of historic buildings found within the district, many of which are protected as 'listed buildings'.
What is a listed building?
A 'listed building' is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of special architectural or historic interest. Listed buildings are included on a register called the National Heritage List for England, which is managed by Historic England. The register is regularly reviewed and updated.
Listing a building gives it legal protection and extra responsibilities are imposed on owners, including the need to obtain listed building consent for certain works.
It is a criminal offence to carry out works to listed buildings without consent.
Is my property listed?
View Historic England’s list of listed buildings
The map at the bottom of the page details the listed buildings and structures in Huntingdonshire.
If my property is listed, what permission do I need to carry out works?
Listing covers the interior and exterior of the building and any free standing buildings built within the boundaries that were erected before 1 July 1948, such as outbuildings, barns, garden structures, railings and walls.
Listed building consent is needed to:
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demolish a listed building
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alter or extend a listed building
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alter or extend any structures or buildings that are within the grounds of the listed building.
You may also need planning permission for works within the grounds of a listed building as further restrictions apply.
Some minor works of repair and maintenance are permitted without the need for listed building consent when they are carried out on an exact like-for-like basis, using traditional materials. To confirm whether this applies to your proposals, please contact the planning team. This is because the Local Planning Authority determines whether the works need formal consent.
See Making an Application for Listed Building Consent – Advice for Owners and Agents for further information.
Can I carry out emergency works to a listed building?
Emergency works can only be carried out without prior consent if you can prove all the following:
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that the works were urgently necessary in the interest of public safety or for the preservation of the building
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it was not practical to secure public safety or preserve the building by means of temporary repair or shelter
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that only the minimum necessary intervention was carried out
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that notice, in writing, will be submitted to the council as soon as is reasonably possible, justifying in detail the works carried out.
If you find yourself in a situation where you believe such emergency works are necessary you should contact the conservation team immediately, ideally before undertaking any works. You will be expected to provide photographic evidence to support your case. Failure to comply with all these criteria may result in enforcement action being taken against you.
Unauthorised works to a listed building
Listed buildings are an irreplaceable part of our history and once damaged or lost, the connections we have with the past are weakened.
No-one may demolish any part of a listed building, extend it, or carry out any interior or exterior alterations affecting its character without first obtaining Listed Building Consent.
Unauthorised works to listed buildings will be investigated and may lead to a prosecution resulting in a criminal record, fine and/or a prison term.
Report Unauthorised WorksOur Enforcement page contains further information.