A listed building enforcement notice is similar to a planning enforcement notice, i.e. one relating to carrying out development without obtaining planning permission. The main differences between the listed building enforcement and planning enforcement provisions are:
- Unlike breaches of planning control which become immune from enforcement action if no action is taken within the relevant time limits, breaches of the listed building consent regime never become immune. It is particularly important to be aware of this if you are taking over a listed building which has been altered in the past. You need to be sure that any works carried out to it have been authorised or did not need consent.
- Carrying out unauthorised works to a listed building is an offence, irrespective of whether a listed building enforcement notice has been served.