Service
Building work on listed houses in the Cotswolds
Short answer
Work that affects the character of a listed building needs listed building consent. This covers the inside and the outside. Work without consent, where consent is needed, is a criminal offence under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Ask the council first, then compare the local builders who list heritage work.
Firms found on a trade register first, then A to Z.
| Firm | Based in | Does | Checks | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hall Construction LimitedLtd company 04936650 | Burford OX18 Covers Burford |
Renovations, Listed buildings, Commercial | 01993 822110Website | |
| Harri-Stone Masonry LtdLtd company 05715803 | Witney OX28 Covers Witney |
Cotswold stonework, Dry stone walling, Listed buildings | 01993 772005Website | |
| Jackson's Stonemasonry LtdLtd company 15776149 | Winchcombe GL54 Covers Cirencester, Winchcombe, Stow-on-the-Wold |
Cotswold stonework, Dry stone walling, Lime mortar and plaster, Listed buildings | 07741 900066Website | |
| M G Bennett LimitedLtd company 06136404 | Witney OX28 Covers Witney |
Extensions, Listed buildings | 01993 775102 | |
| Monk Building Contractors LtdLtd company 07468045 | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester |
Renovations, Listed buildings, Extensions, Structural repairs, +1 | 07721 429472 | |
| Peer Lime Specialist LtdLtd company 12864544 | Cirencester GL7 Covers Cirencester |
Lime mortar and plaster, Listed buildings, Cotswold stonework | 07766 236813Website | |
| Bonner & Milner LtdLtd company 06303033 | Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 Covers Moreton-in-Marsh |
Extensions, Loft conversions, Renovations, Cotswold stonework, +8 | Trading, no register found | 01386 701 261Website |
| P. L. Allard Building & Roofing LtdLtd company 10700255 | Painswick GL6 Covers Cirencester, Stroud |
Extensions, Loft conversions, Garage conversions, New builds, +10 | Trading, no register found | 01242 383279Website |
No firms match. Clear a filter to see more.
When you need listed building consent
You need listed building consent for any work to demolish, alter or extend a listed building in a way that affects its character. This is in section 7 of the 1990 Act.
Cotswold District Council says consent applies to the inside and the outside. Buildings and structures in the historic grounds, such as old walls and barns, are also covered.
Small, like-for-like repairs often need no consent. Extensive repairs, or work that replaces parts, might. If you are not sure, use the council pre-application advice service.
The offence and the penalties
Section 9 of the 1990 Act makes it an offence to do work that needs consent without it. This applies to anyone who does the work or has it done.
On conviction in the Crown Court, the penalty can be up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. The council can also serve an enforcement notice that makes you put the work right.
The law gives a narrow defence for urgent work needed for safety or to save the building. The work must be the minimum needed, and you must tell the council in writing as soon as you can.
Other approvals
Listed building consent is separate from planning permission and building regulations approval. You may need all three.
There is no fee for a listed building consent application.
Building regulations give listed buildings some flexibility on energy rules. Building control should take the conservation officer’s advice into account.
Choose a builder for a listed house
A listed house needs a builder who knows traditional materials, such as lime, natural stone and old timber. Ask for evidence of work on other listed buildings.
The council may ask for a method statement or a sample panel. The builder should be able to write one and work to it.
- Which listed buildings have you worked on, and can I see them?
- Will you write a method statement for the conservation officer?
- Will you use lime mortar and plaster on the old walls?
- Who applies for consent, and who pays for the drawings?
- How will you record and keep historic features?
Questions
How do I know if my house is listed?
Search the National Heritage List for England on the Historic England website. Your district council can also tell you. Remember that walls and buildings in the grounds can be covered too.
Is it a crime to alter a listed building without consent?
Yes, if the work needed consent. Section 9 of the 1990 Act makes it an offence. The penalty can be a fine or up to two years in prison, or both.
Does listed building consent cost anything?
No. The Planning Portal fee schedule lists no fee for listed building consent. You may still pay for drawings and a heritage statement.
Sources
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 7
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 9
- Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 38
- GOV.UK: Approved Document L, conservation of fuel and power
- Cotswold District Council: Listed buildings
- Cotswold District Council: Retrofit, maintenance
- Cotswold District Council: Get pre-application advice
- Historic England: Search the List
- Historic England: What permission might I need to make changes to my older home?
- Planning Portal: Application fees, England, from 1 April 2026 (PDF)