Research

    Listed building consent timelines, London 2026

    The statutory determination period for listed building consent in England is eight weeks, extending to thirteen weeks for major or complex applications, and the clock starts on validation rather than submission. In practice, central London boroughs validate over three to six weeks and determine over eight to sixteen weeks once active. The table below summarises observed ranges for fourteen London boroughs, alongside the rate at which Historic England is consulted as a statutory or non-statutory consultee.

    BoroughValidationDeterminationHE consultee rateNotes
    Westminster3–6 weeks10–16 weeksHighHigh heritage casework volume; conservation officer triage active.
    Camden3–5 weeks10–14 weeksHighStrong design and conservation team; pre-app strongly recommended.
    Kensington & Chelsea3–6 weeks10–16 weeksHighComprehensive Article 4 directions; basement and rooflight scrutiny.
    Islington2–5 weeks8–13 weeksMediumConservation areas dominate decision-making; consult statements expected.
    Hammersmith & Fulham2–5 weeks8–13 weeksMediumStrong CA policy framework; design review for prominent sites.
    Southwark2–4 weeks8–13 weeksMediumMixed Victorian and modernist stock; setting cases common.
    Lambeth2–5 weeks8–13 weeksMediumLarge CA portfolio; member call-in active.
    Wandsworth2–4 weeks8–12 weeksMediumSuburban CA framework; permitted development scrutiny.
    Hackney2–4 weeks8–13 weeksMediumStrong CA enforcement; window and door cases common.
    Tower Hamlets2–5 weeks8–13 weeksMediumMixed industrial heritage; CA appraisals well developed.
    Greenwich2–4 weeks8–13 weeksHighMaritime Greenwich WHS triggers HE consultee status.
    Richmond upon Thames2–4 weeks8–13 weeksMediumLargest CA portfolio in outer London; comprehensive Article 4.
    Barnet2–4 weeks8–12 weeksLow–MediumMixed suburban CA; HE consulted on Grade I/II*.
    Haringey2–4 weeks8–13 weeksMediumStrong CA framework; Article 4 across most.

    Caveats

    Figures are indicative observed ranges from public monitoring reports and Vestige casework, not official statistics. Application complexity, completeness of submission and consultation requirements drive substantial variance.

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