At Earl Kendrick (West) we are seeing an increased interest from owners, property managers and occupants of historic buildings to understand their energy use and how it can be improved.
Whilst improving the energy performance of historic buildings can be undertaken, and is likely to be necessary in the future, it is not always as easy to implement any improvements when compared to more modern structures. The first hurdle when looking at historic buildings is to determine whether the structure is listed, or in a conservation area.
This can be done through Historic England and checking their database of listed buildings and Local Authority maps for conservation areas. Other limitations might include lease agreements, land covenants, estate schemes or similar.
There is, generally, less room for manoeuvre with regard to alterations the more important a building is deemed to be, however this does not preclude it from being improved. It is likely that any alterations proposed to a listed property with the aim of improving its energy efficiency would trigger the need to apply for Listed Building Consent.
Conservation areas are designated by each local authority and can restrict alterations occurring to properties within them, particularly if those alterations would be visible externally. As with listed buildings it is likely that any external changes to a property within a conservation area would trigger the need to (also) apply for Conservation Area Consent.
Once it has been determined if any limitations may affect the building, we can then investigate where the building may be lacking and what can be done to improve any areas of poor energy efficiency. It is important to note that some modern solutions may not be suitable for more historic methods of construction and that professional advice be sought to ensure that the fabric of the building is not compromised or at risk of damage from any new additions.
When a suitable method for improving the building has been established, we can then develop a works specification along with the necessary documentation required for any planning consent matters. Subject to the necessary approvals being granted, we can then undertake the contract admin/project management role to ensure that the approved works are undertaken with the necessary care and attention to detail required when working with these inherently special structures.
Needless to say, we are able to advise and assist with any heritage building queries. We have assisted several clients with their heritage assets, planning applications and major works schemes and have dealt with all kinds of historic properties including residential (from small huts through to grand stately homes), industrial and agricultural buildings, fortifications and more.
Listed buildings are separated into the following (in increasing importance):
- Grade II (buildings of special interest and most common),
- Grade II* (particularly important buildings of more than special interest and less common) and
- Grade I (buildings of exceptional interest and these are the least common of the grades).
