River Bee Design · Stockbridge, Hampshire

Listed Building Planning, Design & Consent

Listed buildings require a careful approach to residential alterations.

Proposed changes need to consider the building’s architectural and historic significance alongside the practical requirements of modern living.

River Bee Design works with owners of listed and period properties to develop proposals that respond to heritage constraints while creating practical, well-designed homes.

Discuss your propertySee related projects

The Old Mill in Surrey, a Grade II listed mill beside the river, after its conversion to flats

Listed building experience

From private listed building development to residential flat conversions, we have a wealth of experience to navigate the pitfalls and maximise the potential. Our projects include The Old Mill in Surrey, a Grade II listed mill now home to six flats built around its original beams, and a parkland lodge in Hampshire, a traditional brick and flint lodge in Grade II* registered historic parkland, where planning consent for its extension was granted with only two conditions.

“Thank you so much for all you have done for us on this. Can’t believe we have finally reached a conclusion – not to mention this one!”

Eckersley family, Registered Parkland Planning Consent

How we work, stage by stage

Discuss your property

A short initial conversation is free and can quickly establish a direction. Then step on at whatever stage you need, from a first look at what’s possible to construction-ready drawings.

Listed buildings: questions people ask

Can I extend a listed building?

Potentially. Extensions to listed buildings require careful consideration of the building’s special architectural and historic interest and may require listed building consent and planning permission.

Can I alter the inside of a listed building?

Some internal alterations can require listed building consent, depending on whether they affect the building’s special architectural or historic interest.

Do listed buildings also need planning permission?

They can. Listed building consent and planning permission are separate matters, and depending on the proposed works, one or both may be required.

Can a listed building have modern facilities?

Potentially. Modern kitchens, bathrooms, heating, insulation and other upgrades may be possible, but their design and installation need to take account of the building’s heritage significance.

Do listed buildings need a heritage assessment?

Some projects require heritage information or statements as part of the planning or consent process. The requirements depend on the building and proposed works.

Can you guarantee listed building consent?

No. Neither River Bee Design nor any designer can guarantee that a planning authority or heritage authority will approve a particular proposal. The outcome depends on the application and the relevant decision-making process.

More answers on our planning and property questions page.