Curtilage and Listed Buildings

Curtilage usually means land and structures closely associated with a building. For a listed building, it can affect what is protected.

Curtilage is not simply the property boundary

A garden, yard, wall or outbuilding may be within a building's curtilage, but ownership alone does not decide it. The physical layout, historic ownership and how the buildings were used together can all matter.

Some buildings have an obvious curtilage. Others, including properties that have been divided or changed over time, can be difficult to assess.

Why it matters

A structure within the curtilage of a listed building may be treated as part of the listed building if it formed part of the land before 1 July 1948. Work affecting its special interest may need listed building consent.

The list entry and a normal title plan do not always settle the question. The local planning authority should be asked before work starts if there is any doubt.

What to check

• Read the listed building entry and note the date of listing.
• Check the historic relationship between the main building, the land and any separate structures.
• Ask the local planning authority whether the structure is treated as curtilage listed.
• Do not start demolition or alteration until any required consent is in place.

Official guidance

Read Historic England's advice on listed buildings and curtilage.