insideKENT Magazine Issue 97 - April 2020 | Page 110

HOME+GARDEN
LISTED KENT
Renovating A Listed Building
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING OR RENOVATING A LISTED BUILDING, MAKE SURE YOU
ARE AWARE OF ALL THE RESTRICTIONS THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR PLANS. THE LISTED
PROPERTY OWNERS’ CLUB, WHICH IS BASED IN KENT BUT OFFERS ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE
TO PEOPLE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, HAS SOME PARTICULARLY USEFUL ADVICE.
Peter Bell, conservation advisor for the LPOC, says;
“There are approximately half a million listed homes
in the UK, all of which are subject to strict regulations
on planning and alterations. While the majority of
buyers enter listed property ownership with their
eyes open to these issues, it is The Listed Property
Owners’ Club’s mission to help our members
navigate these restrictions in the context of their
own homes and renovation projects.”
“We don’t believe that buildings are listed to be
fossilised. Sensitive alterations and extensions can
help buildings adapt to serve new purposes and
support modern lifestyles. Well considered
conservation and alteration proposals can add to
and sustain our heritage for this and future
generations.”
OBTAINING THE APPROPRIATE
PERMISSIONS AND EXPERT ADVICE
Listed building consent is required for all demolition,
alteration or extension which affect the special
architectural or historic character of a listed building
or a curtilage listed building. Some projects will also
require planning permission and building regulation
approval as well as listed building consent.
Applications are made to the local planning authority
who will expect the applicant to demonstrate that
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the special character and significance of the listed
building will not be harmed. All but minor
applications are likely to require the services of an
architect or surveyor. Details of how to apply,
application forms and guidance notes on the level
of information that is required to accompany an
application are available on the council’s website or
on the national Planning Portal.
Our team of experts includes in-house Conservation
Advisors who are available for similar discussions
and are all included within the membership
fee. They can act as impartial sounding boards
operating on the basis of “If it were on my patch I
would suggest”. This is a very popular service offered
by the club and provides owners the opportunity of
getting totally independent advice from conservation
professionals.
When choosing an architect and tradesmen for your
project, is it vital to work with ones that understand
listed properties and how best to sensitively develop
them for 21st century living.
USING THE RIGHT MATERIALS
FOR YOUR LISTED BUILDING REPAIR
Serious damage has been caused in the past by the
indiscriminate use of inappropriate materials
for restoration and conservation work to listed
buildings. The wrong materials can be visually
damaging but they can also cause damp problems
and result in rapid deterioration and decay of
important historic fabric.
DON’T START A PERIOD PROPERTY
RENOVATION WITHOUT PROPER
INSURANCE
If you decide to take on the responsibility of owning
and renovating a listed building, make sure that you
are supported and covered by comprehensive listed
building insurance. It is important to find a policy
which will cover you both during the renovation
and after, so that if there are any issues with the
work carried out, you and your property are
protected. Taking the time to select the right
contractors and suppliers will, of course, reduce the
chance of any issues occurring during your period
of ownership, and hopefully long into the future.
www.lpoc.co.uk
01795 844939