Two district councils have joined forces to come up with a plan to allow sustainability measures to be implemented in listed buildings.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk district councils have come up with a scheme to help building owners fast-track proposals, such as installing double glazing.
Rather than having to apply for listed building consent, the districts, which have thousands of listed properties, propose to allow property owners to apply for a local listed building consent order, allowing Grade II-listed building owners to upgrade or replace windows without having to make individual applications, subject to conditions.
In addition, Local Development Orders will allow solar panels and other renewables to be installed on unlisted buildings within the curtilage of any Grade II-listed property, also subject to conditions.
Cllr Sallie Davies, Babergh’s cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure (pictured right), 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.”
The council says a consultation held at the end of last year involving homeowners and conservation groups found 88 per cent in support of the proposal.
Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure (pictured left), 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.”
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. The councils say they will be reviewed annually.
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