If your building is listed or is within a Conservation Area it is protected by law. This means that there are certain restrictions on what works you can carry out to your building. Consent is also required to demolish buildings in Areas of Townscape or Village Character.

The Environment and Heritage Service: Protecting Historic Buildings is the part of government that is responsible for the listing of buildings, advising what alterations would be acceptable and giving advice on recommended repairs to listed buildings. Details of buildings which are recognised as having special architectural or historic interest are held on a list, giving rise to the term ‘listed building’.

For further information and contacts go to www.ehsni.gov.uk/built/built.shtml

Planning Service is responsible for unlisted buildings that lie within a Conservation Area. In 2005 there were over fifty Conservation Areas in Northern Ireland. Contact your Divisional Planning Office to check if your building is located within a Conservation Area.

For further information and contacts go to www.planningni.gov.uk