Conservation areas
Listed buildings, conservation areas
and tree preservation orders are all
designed to protect and preserve the unique character of Tower
Hamlets in the face of development pressure.
These designations apply special protection to specific
buildings, trees and areas in the borough. In practice, this means
that permission is needed for a wider range of alterations and
extensions than usual.
Statutory listed buildings are designated by the government's
department of culture, media and sport and are classified by
three grades. Buildings, which are listed
in this way, have their character and appearance protected by a
special type of planning permission called listed building consent.
In certain circumstances discretionary grants may be available for
particular types of improvement work.
If you want to alter a listed building, you need to apply for
consent by completing a listed building
application form. If you want advice before you submit your
application, talk to one of the planning department's conservation
officers.
You can view our
interactive maps to find out if your property is in a
conservation area or is a listed building.
How to contact us
For more information about listed buildings or making an
application you can: