HomeIf you need to restore your period home or workplace to its former glory while modernising + upgrading sensitively we can help you

If you need to restore your period home or workplace to its former glory while modernising + upgrading sensitively we can help you

HomeServicesHeritage / Conservation

If you are planning on doing building work to a Heritage Conservation on a Listed Building or if your building is located in a Conservation Area we can help. With specialist training, expert knowledge and a wide range of experience dealing with listed buildings we can help you complete the work sensitively, respectfully and progressively.

Buildings are listed because they have been identified as having special architectural or historic interest and may be important due to their age or condition. There are three grades of listing, Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Grade I is the highest listing and is usually reserved for the most important buildings, such as Westminster Abbey, with Grade II being the most popular listing.

Listing a building means that any changes are controlled by the local Planning Authority, meaning a reasonable approach is taken to protect it for future generations. Listed Building Consent is required for any alteration or extension work that may affect the character of a Listed Building. This can also include work done internally if it substantially changes the interior. Depending upon project specifics additional Planning Permission may also be required.

If you are unsure if your building or site is protected under an official listing then you can click here and check The National Heritage List for England [NHLE] which is the only official, up to date, register of all nationally protected historic buildings and sites in England. This includes listed buildings, scheduled monuments, protected wrecks, registered parks and gardens, and battlefields.

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We generally try to support the approach encouraged by SPAB – The Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings – but we will always accommodate our Client’s preferences no matter what. SPAB’s approach is ‘GOOD NEW DESIGN TO COMPLEMENT THE OLD. Further alterations and additions, the Society believes, are best when they complement what exists. They should not compete unduly with the old building in form or position; nor should they mimic the original or pretend to be historic. They should fulfil modern needs in a way that respects both the old building’s form and context. The new should not harm the old where they meet, nor create problems with future maintenance.’

If you’re bouncing around ideas…

… or if you’re ready to start your project or anything in between — please click the ‘Let’s talk’ button, send us a quick message and we’ll get back in touch soon to arrange your design consultation.

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A Conservation Area is a specially designated area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. They contain historically important buildings, features and architecture which link us to our past. If your house or place of work is in a Conservation Area then changes to your property through repair, replacement or alteration needs to be in keeping with the character of the building but also to the area itself. As the character of an area often comes from the materials and architecture that make it up the local Planning Authority usually encourages any development to respect these elements. The way that buildings are laid out in the area may also have an impact on the overall character.

It’s also worth noting that some Conservation Areas have extra controls placed upon them [Article 4 Direction] restricting certain work. This means the most basic of alterations like replacing doors and windows are no longer allowed under Permitted Development rights and Planning Permission must be obtained first.

Work on Listed Buildings and in Conservation Areas is often notoriously difficult and time consuming. This is usually because the council wish to review the proposals in detail and often expect extra supporting drawings and documents. Meetings on site to discuss the issues in person are sometimes required as well.

It is always a good idea to speak to us as we can help you with obtaining pre-application advice from a planning officer before starting any work. This should prevent any problems at a later date and should ensure you comply with the law. Unauthorised work which damages a Listed Building or the character of a Conservation Area may be a criminal offence.