CONTEXT 188 : JUNE 2026 23 INFRASTRUCTURE for works that are well understood and unlikely to affect the significance of the asset. They apply for a specified time period (such as five years), with built-in review points. Both types of consent order were introduced as Sections 26C–26G of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 by Section 60 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013. The key difference is that local listed building consent orders (LLBCOs) are made by individual local authorities to cover all or part of their administrative area, whereas listed building consent orders are made by the secretary of state for listed buildings across England (referred to in the rest of the document as national listed building consent orders, NLBCOs). In both cases, Historic England is consulted in their creation. Local listed building consent orders Despite a slow uptake, local listed building consent orders are now increasing in popularity. We are aware that there are nine currently operating across England, with a new LLBCO for energy efficiency improvements for Eaton Square in Belgravia, established between Westminster City Council and Grosvenor, due to commence later this year. These orders are crafted to meet local requirements, ranging from small groups of buildings to whole local authority areas. Port Sunlight, Merseyside One of the most established LLBCOs is in Port Sunlight in Merseyside. Port Sunlight is a model village built in 1888 by William Hesketh Lever (later Lord Leverhulme) for the employees of his Lever Brothers soap works, offering comfortable conditions and affordable rent. Today the village is considered one of the country’s finest surviving examples of an early urban development in anticipation of garden cities. It represents nearly every period of British architectural history in revival styles, reflecting the combined effort of over 30 different architects. Most of its houses and public buildings are listed. An LLBCO was set up in 2015, initially for 10 years but with an annual review, to cover all Grade II listed houses in the Port Sunlight Conservation Area. Works covered include replacement of severely deteriorated or inappropriate yard gates, rear windows and doors, and installation of satellite dishes. This approach has proved successful by reducing significantly the number of repetitive listed building consent applications. In its place, it has provided owners with a methodology for undertaking acceptable works, with the simple requirement of submission of an LLBCO notice form to the council, which is determined within 28 days. It has been effective in reducing the number of unauthorised works. The order was updated in 2025 and, in recognition of its value, extended by another 15 years. The new order includes outbuildings, and an additional permission for the installation of insulated glazing or slim-line double glazing in new windows or single glazing, with the option of secondary glazing. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), one of the most heritage-rich local authority areas in the country, is at the forefront of pioneering the use of LLBCOs. Around 70 per cent of the borough is covered by its 35 conservation areas and it contains around 3,800 listed buildings. It is home to a population of 147,500 people. The RBKC is keen to establish planning streamlining measures that support its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. In 2022 it A rear window replaced under the Port Sunlight local listed building consent order (Photo: Port Sunlight Village Trust) A rear gate replaced and repainted under the Port Sunlight LLBCO (Photo: Port Sunlight Village Trust) THE LISTING PROCESS IN ENGLAND
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