A consent which is needed from the local planning authority in order to demolish a listed building or any part of it, or alter it in any way which would affect its character, inside or out.

The majority of cases are dealt with by the local authority, but the most important cases are referred to English Heritage ("notification") and sometimes to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government ("referrals"). Carrying out unauthorised work to a listed building is a criminal offence punishable by a fine or a prison sentence and the local authority can require the building to be put back as it was.