If you live in a historic building and are thinking about making changes using Birmingham architecture firms, here are some things to keep in mind. Before beginning this project, you could, for instance, have to get the green light from the local government.

If you don’t, you might end yourself in legal hot water, which would be quite expensive. A criminal complaint might be brought against you under certain circumstances. Some of the items to remember are listed below.

What exactly does “listed building” mean for those who aren’t familiar?

Listed structures have been recognized for their significant architectural or historical value. They may, for instance, be located in a historically important location or be connected to a considerable figure in the past. These structures are on the Department of Culture, Media, and Sports list. This plan’s goal is to guarantee the safety of these areas.

Therefore, depending on the significance and interest level, your structure may be given a grade of 1, 2, or 3.

Is there a way to check if a certain structure is on such lists?

Historic England is the government agency in the United Kingdom tasked with ensuring the safety of historic structures. You may check their website to see if your building is on the list.

Put in your zip code, and we’ll tell you how your structure is doing. Check the list to see whether your building is on it; if so, you’ll need permission to hire a home extensions Birmingham to make any changes.

What procedure must be followed to secure approval?

It’s recommended that you contact the local conservation officer beforehand. To gain permission, you can get in touch with this expert. You may sit down with them to discuss things and receive approval.

Submitting your application to the appropriate municipal authority is the next step. Submit all necessary documentation with your application, including blueprints, architectural renderings, and certificates of ownership. The local government could make you wait for two months before they give their permission.

What will happen if you don’t get permission?

Because of the law’s protection of listed structures, you might face fines if you renovate your building without permission. Payments of up to £20,000 may be necessary. The punishment after that is six months in jail.

After your innovation project is finished, you may apply for retroactive approval. However, the prosecution is still a possibility. Therefore, we advise that you get consent before taking any action.

To what extent does living in a flat affect whether or not you require permission?

The entire area is on the National Register of Historic Places, so if your building is on the list, you shouldn’t be surprised to see it if you live in a historic building, whether a house or an apartment building, you may need special permission before making any changes.

Conclusion

Before you begin renovating by hiring architecture companies Birmingham for your UK-listed building, you should consider the advice we’ve provided here. You must pay attention to these crucial details since breaking the law by renovating your building without approval from local authorities might lead to serious consequences.