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Urban Design and Heritage Conservation

FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
I own a listed building. Which works require consent?
You will need to get listed building consent from The council if you want to demolish a listed building or any part of it, or alter it in any way which would affect its character, inside or out. Repairs which match exactly may not need consent, but the conservation officer will be able to advise you on this as the effect of any repairs is not always straightforward. Examples of work which may need consent include changing windows and doors, painting over brickwork or removing external surfaces, putting in dormer windows or rooflights, putting up aerials, satellite dishes and burglar alarms, changing roofing materials, moving or removing internal walls, making new doorways, and removing or altering fireplaces, panelling or staircases.
What happens if I make alterations to a listed building without consent?
Carrying out unauthorised work to a listed building is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the council can require you to put the building back as it was.
I live in a conservation area. Which works require planning permission?
If you live in the Woodgrange or Durham Road conservation area, you will need planning permission to carry out certain, normally exempt, building works. Some of the common works that require planning permission include replacing windows, doors and roof materials; forming new hardstandings or resurfacing existing ones; demolishing or rebuilding walls and fences; adding extensions, dormers or satellite dishes; painting, cladding, or pebble-dashing walls; removing stucco work, canopies, or other details. If you are in any doubt, you should contact the planning department. Only works that preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area will be permitted.
Do I have to notify you of works to trees in a Conservation Area?
You must notify the planning department of all works to trees in Conservation Areas six weeks before you plan to start work. This includes work to trees in private gardens, more than 75mm in diameter at 1.5m above the ground. You can send us a letter detailing the proposed work, complete the application form online on our TPO page or contact us for a Works to Trees in a Conservation Area Consent form.
Where are Newham's listed buildings?
View Listed Buildingsmore...
How much could I get fined for damaging or destroying a tree with a Tree Preservation Order?
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) make it an offence to cut down, top, lop, uproot, wilfully damage or destroy a tree without permission. You could be fined £20,000 for destroying a tree with a TPO. Anyone who commits such an offence is liable, if convicted in the Magistrates Court, to a fine of up to £20,000. Anyone who carries out work in a way that is not likely to destroy the tree is liable to a fine of up to £2,500.
Is it possible to get listed buildings grants?
It may be possible to get grants to go towards repairs from English Heritage.

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