Do I need permission for roof work on a Scottish historic building?

1 · Check the property and proposed changes

Choose what you already know. The questions below are designed to guide your next enquiries—not to give an automated yes/no legal answer.

2 · The permissions are not interchangeable

Listed-building consent can be relevant when proposed alterations affect the character of a listed building. Planning permission and building warrants are separate questions; an exemption from one does not automatically remove another. Conservation area status may affect permitted development rights and the acceptability of changes. Work that seems like-for-like should still be discussed where the effect on significant fabric is uncertain.

3 · Prepare a clear question for your council

1. Find the property's listing and conservation status using the council's relevant information and Historic Environment Scotland's records.
2. Describe exactly which roof area is affected and what will change, rather than writing only “replace roof”.
3. Describe existing and proposed slate, lead, ridges, sarking, fixing and roof details where known.
4. Ask separately about listed-building consent, planning permission, building warrant and any other local constraints.
5. Keep the authority's response and any approved drawings with the future tender documents.

Read Historic Environment Scotland’s listed-building and conservation area advice and the listed-building consent process.

For scope questions, see the repair-or-reslate guide and the project brief builder.

Editorial information compiled for Scottish homeowners by Scottish Slate Roofers, an independent roofing introduction service, on 21 October 2026. Source links are provided where relevant. No professional diagnosis, independent certification or individual legal advice is provided. No contractor-endorsed case studies are claimed.