Everest industry news
Listed building owners 'can still make improvements'
12 November 2008
Owners of listed buildings have been reassured that planning regulations do not necessarily mean that they cannot make their desired alterations and improvements.The laws currently state that any changes to such properties must receive listed building consent to ensure that they respect the character of the building and that the case for its preservation is fully taken into account.
However, Chris Martin an architect at theHousePlanner, explained yesterday (November 11th) that the rules are not black and white, although seeking professional advice before pressing ahead with plans is prudent.
He said: "The rules for carrying out work to [listed buildings] are more stringent than ordinary buildings, but this doesn't necessarily mean you are not able to do what you want.
"You should seek professional advice at an early stage from an architect experienced in conservation of historic buildings."
Mr Martin added that the Royal Institute of British Architects publishes a list of such architects.
Around 370,000 properties in the UK are currently classed as listed buildings, with 92 per cent of that total being Grade II - defined as 'more than special interest'.
