Looking After Listed Buildings
If you own an historic or listed building it is important to carry out regular maintenance as this prevents small problems from getting worse. It is always preferable to repair rather than replace a building’s historic fabric.
Like-for-like repairs to listed buildings using traditional materials and building techniques may not require Listed Building Consent but you should always check with the Design and Conservation team before carrying out any work. We advise you to hire a professionally qualified person with experience of listed buildings to carry out or supervise the work. This is because traditional methods of repair are different from those of today, and damage may unintentionally be done by inappropriate works, such as repointing with hard cement mortar rather than with a traditional lime mortar. Older buildings were designed to breathe and shift rather than to be impermeable and rigid. It is important that any contractor carrying out any repairs to your listed building understands this.
Informal pre-application advice
If you are considering carrying out works to your listed building or structure, we advise you to submit an informal written pre-application enquiry to planningandgrowth@rushcliffe.gov.uk giving the name and address of the building, a site plan, details of the works you are considering, and your contact details. There is no charge for this service and there is currently no charge for applying for Listed Building Consent.
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) publishes a list of accredited heritage professionals, which you may find useful when hiring a contractor who understands the appropriate approach for repair of older buildings.
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) publishes guidance on the care of older buildings, and offers courses for homeowners on the appropriate approaches to repair and maintenance of older buildings.
English Heritage provide useful information about specific aspects of historic buildings works.
Find out more about understanding your property, finding the right professional help and the best way to repair and maintain your property.