Department for Culture Media and Sport
building preservation notices (BPN)
Planning authorities, National Park authorities and English Heritage (if the building is in London), have the power to serve a BPN on the owner of a building which is not listed, but which they consider is of special architectural or historic interest and is in danger of demolition or alteration in such a way as to affect its character as a building of such interest.
Following service of the BPN, the building is subject to the same rules as if it were listed, allowing time for a formal assessment to be carried out. Once a BPN has been served the authority contacts DCMS, providing all the necessary information and asks that the building be considered for listing. The assessment procedure then begins.
Designed as an emergency power, most authorities will not consider serving a BPN without first consulting English Heritage, because if the building is not eventually listed compensation may be payable by the local authority for losses sustained by those with an interest in the building as a result of the BPN.
The BPN remains in force for up to six months, but will lapse if within that period DCMS either includes the building in the statutory list or notifies the authority in writing that it does not intend to do so. The local authority must notify the owner and occupier if DCMS decides not to list the building. If the building is not listed the local authority may not serve another BPN in respect of that building within 12 months of DCMS’s notification.
