Port Sunlight Local Listed Building Consent Order

A garden village founded in 1888 by William Hesketh Lever, Port Sunlight holds a unique place in the history of town planning. It was originally designed to provide industrial workers with decent, sanitary housing in a considered architectural form. The village is set within 130 acres of well-maintained parkland with a mature tree scene. It is a place of rich national architectural and historic significance with nearly every building within the conservation area Grade II listed by Historic England.

Wirral Council and Port Sunlight Village Trust have worked in partnership, with the support from Historic England, to develop a Local Listed Building Consent Order (LLBCO) for Port Sunlight to streamline the consent process for residents, to more effectively manage change and to regain lost heritage features in the village.

The new LLBCO will undergo a 4 week statutory public consultation in order to inform residents of the document’s update, invite comments, and seek approval.

Reflecting evolving conservation needs, the updated Order would run from 2025 to 2040 and include two new categories of permitted works:

• Outbuilding Doors. Their contribution to the character of Port Sunlight is recognised alongside the need for clarity regarding their appropriate repair or replacement.
• Vacuum Insulated Glazing (VIG). This can improve energy efficiency without compromising heritage value.
• The existing consent for satellite dishes will be removed due to a lack of demand and the availability of modern digital alternatives.

These updates will ensure the LLBCO remains relevant, proportionate, and aligned with both conservation and sustainability priorities. The results of the consultation will be considered and appropriately incorporated before the process of formal adoption is completed.