Alteration and Extension of Listed Buildings - General Principles

Many listed buildings can tolerate some degree of thoughtful alteration or extension to accommodate continuing or new uses. Indeed, cumulative changes reflecting the history of use and ownership have contributed to the special interest of some buildings. Nevertheless listed buildings do vary greatly in the extent to which they can accommodate change without loss of special interest. Some may be sensitive even to slight alterations, especially those buildings with important interiors and fittings. Some listed buildings are subject to successive applications for alteration or extension. In such cases it should be borne in mind that minor works of indifferent quality, which may seem individually of little significance, can cumulatively reduce a listed building's special interest.