Listed Building Myths that can get you into serious trouble | Part 2
From Talking Conservation by Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury
February 6, 2026 · 59 min
About this episode
This episode discusses the legal risks and misconceptions homeowners face regarding listed buildings and planning consent.
What happens if you rely on a builder’s advice, skip consent, or try to “fix it later” on a listed building?In this second myth-busting episode, we unpack the real legal risks of getting listed building works wrong. Joined again by conservation architect Claire Truman, Stephen and Rich explore some of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners have about listed buildings, planning consent, and enforcement. From criminal liability and prosecution to enforcement notices that follow properties for decades, this episode explains why “asking forgiveness later” is rarely a safe strategy. We cover: - Who is legally responsible for unauthorised listed building works - Why builders, owners, and professionals can all be liable - The difference between prosecution and enforcement - Why listed building breaches don’t “time out” - What happens when you buy a listed building with historic unauthorised works - Whether using “traditional materials” avoids the need for consent - Common traps around insulation, kitchens, bathrooms, and services - How poor applications and missing information cause delays and refusals - This episode is essential listening for homeowners, buyers, professionals, or…
People in this episode
Hosts: Stephen Boniface, Rich Alesbury
Guest: Claire Truman
Topics covered
- listed buildings
- planning consent
- legal risks
- homeowner misconceptions
- enforcement notices
- construction advice
Keywords
- listed building works
- planning consent
- criminal liability
- enforcement
- traditional materials
- application process
- homeowner advice
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