Home owners could have more freedom to change listed buildings

Friday 06 April 2018

Home owners of historic properties may not have to apply for permission in order to make changes to the building in future, if the public backs an overhaul of the current planning law.

The Planning Minister, Deputy Steve Luce, is considering removing some of the protection given to 'listed' properties with historic or architectural importance, so they can be modernised and made more environmentally friendly without the hassle of going through the planning system.

If it goes ahead, this would also reduce the amount of work handled within the Planning Department, which currently receives around 500 to 600 applications for changes to listed buildings every year.   

This is the latest move by the Minister to relax planning regulations, which saw him give owners of non-listed buildings the green light to make changes like security lights and replacing conservatory roofs without Government approval, following a public consultation in 2016.

But he says he was unable to extend the removal of planning regulations to listed buildings due to the mixed feelings given in feedback from the public.

“People recognised the need to protect listed buildings through a regulated process but there was also a desire to provide some greater flexibility to what people can do listed buildings without needing planning permission, particularly when they are people’s homes. I have been working to produce a series of proposals which strike an appropriate balance between appropriate regulation and freedom to make changes, but before these are progressed further I want to find out what people think. I’ve instructed officers to undertake consultation when it is appropriate to do so,” Deputy Luce said.

Pictured: Deputy Steve Luce has been relaxing the planning law since 2016 and is now looking to extend the change to include listed-buildings. 

The 2016 consultation did reveal strong feelings among the public for the need to preserve and protect the island’s historical and architectural assets, but overall people wanted more flexibility in how changes to protected properties are handled.

Heritage groups and owners of listed buildings will be asked their thoughts on the proposed law amendment which would enable these changes – subject to certain conditions - without planning permission:

• Installation of play equipment

• Installation of sheds, stores or outbuildings

• Installation of gates or fences

• Installation of patios, decking, hardstanding or raised planters


• Painting of external render

• Installation of satellite dish or security camera

• Replacement of pitched roofs, with clay or tiles 


• Minor repairs


• Installation, alteration or replacement of rainwater goods


• Installation of solar panels, air and ground source heating systems

• Minor engineering work associated with boreholes, drains and other services

• Demolition of domestic structures

The consultation is due to be launched after the election, with the new law to be drafted up by the next elected Planning Minister.