Unauthorised Works and Heritage Crime

Where works have taken place that needed consent but no consent was obtained there are a number of options open to the authorities to see that, as far as possible, the heritage asset is restored to its original state. Unauthorised works may be a criminal offence.

Our historic buildings and sites also suffer irreversible harm from theft and criminal damage. Their worth to society and viability can be impaired or ruined by anti-social behaviour.

This section examines the consequences of breaching the law protecting historic buildings and sites and the enforcement options open to public authorities such as the police, CPS, local government and Historic England.