What is a Certificate of Lawfulness of

Proposed Works to a Listed Building?

A CLoPWLB is a planning procedure that provides a formal method of confirming that an LBC is not needed for defined works which are generally simple, non-harmful repairs or replacements.

A Certificate provides legal certainty that works were lawful and do not require a Listed Building Consent

The proposed works should be of a nature that they do not affect the character of the listed building as a building of special architectural or historic interest because:

  • No loss of historic fabric: The works are confined to [modern elements / defective materials], with no removal of features of special interest.

  • Like-for-like repairs or minor interventions: Materials and methods will match existing historic fabric, ensuring continuity of appearance and performance.

  • Reversibility: Where new elements are introduced (e.g., secondary glazing), they are lightweight, internal, and fully reversible without damage to historic fabric.

  • Neutral effect on significance: The proposals maintain the architectural and historic character, scale, and appearance of the building.

It is a shorter process than a full LBC application with less extensive documentation (a full Heritage Statement is not generally required) but a description of works and possibly some plans or drawings will be need.

How We Can Help

We can help you to prepare the necessary application forms and provide a ‘short form’ description of the listed building and its significance. Based on a description of the works (which you will need to provide) we can provide the rationale for the Certificate of Lawfulness and not a full LBC application.