‘A groundbreaking step forward’ – Councils make listed building energy upgrades easier

Babergh and Mid Suffolk have one of the highest numbers of listed properties in the country, but these historic properties often suffer from poor energy performance due to factors such as poorly fitting windows and single glazing. 

It leads to higher bills for owners and is costly for the environment. Historic England says retrofitting historic buildings will be fundamental to achieving net zero. 

In the past, owners had to apply to the councils for Listed Building Consent to make upgrades.

But Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, working closely with Historic England, have just introduced a new Local Listed Building Consent Order – the first rural council in the country to achieve this.

It makes sensitive improvements quicker and easier:

• Secondary glazing on historic windows - Grade II listed buildings can now have secondary glazing installed on historic windows without needing consent from the council, subject to certain conditions.
• Replacement of windows in Grade II listed buildings – Where original windows have already been replaced after receiving listed building consent, they can be replaced again, subject to conditions.

• Replacement of an existing window in a modern extension to a listed building - Windows in Grade II listed buildings can be replaced, or have secondary glazing installed, if they have previously received listed building consent, subject to conditions.

Sallie Davies, Babergh’s cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, who led the project, said: “This is a groundbreaking step which strikes the right balance between conservation and energy efficiency. It could benefit many people and protect, conserve and adapt these precious buildings for the benefit of future generations.

“We’ve worked closely with Historic England and listened to feedback to develop this, and we’re really proud to be taking such an ambitious, trailblazing approach. We are looking forward to seeing what impact it has.”

Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: “Crucially, we think this innovative move will encourage more building owners to act, rather than being deterred by the consent process.

“Through this action, we are sending a very clear signal to residents and businesses that we take the need to drive down carbon use seriously - and we are prepared to be proactive in achieving this.”

The proposals would only apply to Grade II listed buildings, the majority of listed buildings - not Grade I and Grade II*.

The councils have produced guidance for homeowners, which is now available on their websites www.babergh.gov.uk/llbco or www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/llbco