Listed building consent process

You must apply to your planning authority for listed building consent. You may be able to apply online or you can ask for a copy of the relevant form. Check your planning authority’s website for details. 

Conservation area consent controls the demolition of unlisted buildings in conservation areas. The consent process is similar to the listed building consent process. Your planning authority can advise. 

You may need to apply for planning permission as well as listed building consent. Again, your planning authority can advise you. Planning authorities will usually process applications received for listed building consent and planning permission for the same property  at the same time.

There is no listed building consent application fee (but there is usually a charge to apply for planning permission). 

Planning authorities aim to reach a decision on all applications for listed building consent within eight weeks.

Your planning authority is the main point of contact for all listed building consent applications.

Your planning authority will consider applications in light of:

• its own policies

• other national policy documents

• the advice given in our Managing Change in the Historic Environment guidance series

Find out more about Managing Change guidance

The planning authority must consult Historic Environment Scotland on certain types of listed building consent applications.

We will provide advice, and in some cases we may choose to object. If the planning authority plans to grant consent anyway, it must notify Scottish Ministers of its intention.

Scottish Ministers may choose to ‘call in’ a case, so that they can determine the outcome themselves. This might happen where an application raises highly significant or controversial issues.

A reporter will be appointed and may decide to arrange a public local inquiry.

You have the right to appeal if:

• your application for listed building consent is refused by the planning authority

• you feel the conditions are unreasonable

You must request an appeal form from:

The Scottish Government
Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals
Hadrian House
Callendar Business Park
Callendar Road
Falkirk
FK1 1XR

Email: dpea@gov.scot

You must submit with your completed form:

• full details of the proposed works for which you applied for listed building consent

• copies of all relevant correspondence with your planning authority

For more information or if you have any questions, please email us at hmenquiries@hes.scot or contact us by phone on 0131 668 8716