Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas

Listed buildings and conservation areas are protected in Scotland by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Listed building consent must be obtained before any proposed demolition, alteration or extension to any listed building is carried out, where the proposals would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. Depending on the circumstances even minor changes can be sufficient to bring the proposals within the scope of the legislation.

The need for listed building consent is separate from the requirement to obtain planning permission but the procedure involved is similar; an application must be made to the appropriate planning authority on the correct form.

The statutory protections also seek to stimulate public interest in the preservation or enhancement of the amenity of conservation areas. Local planning authorities are required to advertise applications for planning permission for developments which would affect the character or appearance of a conservation area.