An Old Water Mill, Sarah Beeny On Listed Buildings

Expert Advice Sarah Beeny On Listed Buildings

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Date Published:
20/05/2007
Sarah Beeny, Sarah Beeny on Listed Buildings

Oh, the joys of doing up listed buildings. I've done a few myself and they really are a double-edged sword. On the one hand they are by definition rare, and usually have a premium attached. On the other hand listed buildings come loaded with red tape and scrutiny from the local council can be quite a bind.

A major problem is there are very few clear rules governing what you can and can't do when renovating a listed building, so very often it's down to the interpretation of the individual listings officer.

This can leave you in quite a quandary as there are two distinct schools of thought. Let's say you want to build an extension onto the side of your property. Do you try and make it in keeping with the original, or go for something completely different? The options are both adored and abhorred in equal measures. Some officers think trying to copy the original is always unachievable and a terribly naff thing to do. Others think 'in keeping' is the only way forward and modern additions to listed buildings are a travesty. As a consequence it can be very hard to know what to expect.

The rule of thumb is not to dig in over any particular issue unless it is of vital importance and keep an early and ongoing dialogue going with the local council. As ever if you can work with the listings officer, rather than against him, the end result will be that much better.

Lastly I'd just like to clear up a common mistake. Many people think a Grade II listed building has restrictions attached to the exterior of the building only, while a Grade I listing applies to both the outside and inside. This is wrong. Both listings apply to all areas of a property including the grounds - a Grade I listing is just considered more important. Glad that's cleared up.

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  1. Haveing just watched this weeks episode I was amazed at the way conservation officers seem hell bent on creating problems for developers Only to have a feature like the "bread oven" covered up behind kitchen units when it would have been much better to move it so that everyone could see it. Will you do a program where Sarah Beeny confronts an officer to find out what they are thingking of when they make thier decisions and why are they so loath to compromise? Would they rather see the buildings rot away! David Robus
    Posted by David Robus on 24/07/2009 21:59:58
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  2. I have long been mystified by the problems of dealing with listed buildings.A lot of such properties are virtually derelict when purchased for rennovation,yet along come the listings officers to tell people what they can and can't do,much of which often seems down to individual interpretation of the rules.While I would agree that many listed buildings do need protection,what I don't understand is why it is ok for some to remain empty and decaying for years,until bought.Then suddenly the listing people take an interest.I remember an old Property Ladder about a house near Hastings,where the requirements were so stringent and inflexible,the developers barely broke even.If anyone could explain why this is so,I would be interested to know.
    Posted by jacqueline on 24/07/2009 15:16:04
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  3. Our 150 year old Grade 11 home is built of sussex sandstone. This is unfortunately very porous and after a heavy downfall will actually penetrate right through. We understand that there are breathable impregnated waterproofers that can be applied externally. We are unable to source a company that do this work. Please can you help?
    Posted by Trudie Little on 27/08/2008 17:04:28
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