Historic England Updates Advice On Efficiency Adaptations

If you are undertaking a listed building restoration, no doubt you will be aware of the need to follow certain regulations. Listed structures have a special historical and architectural value, and the regulations are designed to help preserve the original characteristics and ensure that any restorations or alterations are sympathetically carried out.

Before any alterations are made, listed building consent and possibly planning permission needs to be obtained from the local authority. Wherever possible, it is usually requested that like-for-like materials are used even for minor alterations or repairs. All this can present challenges when it comes to energy and carbon efficiency adaptations.

As the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and adapt to climate change becomes more urgent, Historic England have issued new advice on what permissions are needed for some of the more common decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements. 

Ian Morrison, Director of Policy and Evidence at Historic England, said: “This Advice Note demonstrates how the sustainable use and reuse of our historic buildings can help address the impacts of climate change.”

“It provides clear advice to local planning authorities, heritage consultants and those involved in the planning process, alongside building owners and occupiers, to ensure England’s historic buildings are adapted appropriately to respond to the climate crisis.”

Tor Burrows, Group Sustainability Director, Grosvenor said: “Adapting historic buildings to ensure they contribute towards a low carbon future is an essential part of preserving this country’s heritage.”

“We welcome the publication of Historic England’s new Advice Note and the clear signal it sends. Protecting the unique qualities of historic buildings and improving their energy and carbon performance are compatible and achievable.”

A new training programme will be rolled out to help local authorities and heritage professionals understand the new guidance more fully. 

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