Maintenance and building works of listed buildings

It’s the owner's responsibility to maintain a listed building. Listed buildings at risk of being lost because of neglect, decay or inappropriate development are put on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. This lets communities know the state of their buildings so that they can take part in action to save them. 

Regular maintenance  

Regular maintenance and ‘like for like’ repairs that match the original work in every way do not need listed building consent. If materials or methods that differ from the original are used however, then consent is needed. 

Emergency work  

If emergency works are urgently necessary for reasons of safety or health, or to preserve a listed building, you must tell us as soon as possible by emailing planning@camden.gov.uk.  

These works may only proceed without prior Listed Building Consent if they meet the legal criteria set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, including being limited to the minimum measures immediately necessary. 

Alterations 

Alterations should be carried out in a sensitive way to preserve what is special about the building and allow it to continue being used and enjoyed. 

Derelict and neglected listed buildings  

We monitor buildings at risk and will take action to repair and protect neglected, redundant or derelict listed buildings. 

We have legal powers to serve an urgent works notice or repairs notice to the owner of a listed building to prevent further decay. The notice will explain the works we consider necessary to preserve the building.  

An urgent works notice is for emergency repairs only. A repairs notice may also include works to preserve architectural details, but it cannot be used to restore lost features.  

If the building’s owner does not take steps to preserve it, we can do the work at their cost or even compulsorily purchase a building at risk.