Councils first in country to clear the way for listed building energy upgrades
The districts have thousands of listed properties, but these often suffer from poor energy performance due to factors such as poorly fitting windows and single glazing.
This leads to higher bills for owners and is costly for the environment. Historic England has stated that retrofitting historic buildings will be fundamental in achieving net zero. The UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe, which is a huge contributor to carbon emissions.
Owners who want to make upgrades must currently apply to the councils for Listed Building Consent.
But Babergh and Mid Suffolk, working closely with Historic England, will be the first councils in the country to introduce an ambitious package of measures to make sensitive improvements quicker and easier.
The first is a Local Listed Building Consent Order, allowing Grade II listed property owners to upgrade or replace windows without having to make individual applications, subject to conditions.
The second is a Local Development Order, allowing solar PV and other renewable technologies to be installed on unlisted buildings within the curtilage of a Grade II listed property, also subject to conditions.
Cllr Sallie Davies, Babergh’s cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: “Our listed buildings are part of the charm and beauty of our district, but they are hard to keep warm – and this comes at a cost to the owner and our environment.
“Our innovative action strikes the right balance between preserving our heritage assets and making sensitive energy efficiency improvements quicker and easier.
“This is the most comprehensive package of measures for listed buildings in the country, and we are proud to be leading the way in this area.”
A consultation held at the end of last year involving homeowners and conservation groups found 88% in support of the proposal.
Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: “This has not been easy to do in an area which has so many houses from different periods and with different architectural styles.
“But for owners, our message is clear – we are clearing the way so they can make sensitive improvements to their buildings.
“This is an extremely ambitious piece of work and we strongly believe this could be of national significance – a template for others to follow."
The new measures have just been approved by both Babergh and Mid Suffolk full councils. Details of the orders will now be drawn up in dialogue with Historic England, and subject to further public consultation, before they are officially adopted.
They will be reviewed annually, and the councils will ensure detailed guidance will be available for householders, as well as consultations offering advice.
