Guidance for managing or changing heritage sites
Whether you are restoring a listed building, planning changes in a conservation area, or managing a heritage site, museum, or cultural venue, a wide range of resources and expert support is available. We offer:
- guidance on developing and managing heritage and cultural programmes
- help with funding applications and strategic planning
- connections to local and national partners
Email your enquiry to arts.team@birmingham.gov.uk.
Planning advice in Birmingham
Before starting any work on a heritage asset, it is essential to understand what permissions may be required.
- Listed Building Consent is required for any alterations, extensions, or demolitions that affect the character of a listed building.
- Conservation Area Consent is needed for demolition or significant changes within designated conservation areas.
- Planning permission may also be required depending on the nature of the work.
You can find detailed guidance and apply for permissions via our Conservation webpage.
Historic Environment Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
Birmingham’s Historic Environment SPD, adopted in 2025, provides detailed guidance on managing heritage assets through the planning system. It outlines:
- objectives for different types of heritage assets
- advice for owners and applicants making changes
- criteria for adding assets to the local list
- guidance on archaeology and low-carbon development
Read the Historic environment supplementary planning document
Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
For national guidance on listed buildings and conservation areas, including types of work that require consent and how to apply visit our planning portal:
Scheduled monuments and archaeology
If your project involves a scheduled monument, you must apply for Scheduled Monument Consent before carrying out any work. This is separate from planning permission and is administered by Historic England.
Page last updated: 11 March 2026
