The Principles of Building Conservation

The following principles are essential for ensuring that historic buildings are conserved in a responsible and sustainable way. By following these principles, we can help to preserve our built heritage for future generations.

Minimum intervention:

This principle states that any intervention should be as minimal as possible. This means that only the necessary work should be carried out, and that any changes should be reversible.

Compatibility

This principle states that any new materials or techniques used should be compatible with the original materials and techniques of the building. This is to ensure that the building’s character and integrity are preserved.

Authenticity

This principle states that any changes made to the building should be authentic. This means that they should be in keeping with the original style and character of the building.

Durability

This principle states that any changes made to the building should be durable. This means that they should be able to withstand the elements and the passage of time.

Sustainability

This principle states that any changes made to the building should be sustainable. This means that they should be environmentally friendly and should not damage the building or its surroundings.

Here are some additional guidelines for owners of historic buildings.:

Do your research:

Before you make any changes to a historic building, it is important to do your research and understand the building’s history and significance. This will help you to make informed decisions about the best way to conserve the building.

Listed Buildings

Alterations and that affect the character of a listed building require listed building consent. This usually includes repairs and alterations and extensions to the building and features within the curtilage of the property.

Consult with a professional

If you are not sure how to proceed with building conservation, then consult with a professional. An Architect, Surveyor or specialist conservator can help you to develop a plan that will conserve the building’s character and integrity.

Use traditional materials and techniques

When making changes to a historic building, it is important to use traditional materials and techniques. This will help to ensure that the building’s character and integrity are preserved.

Be patient

Building conservation can be a slow and painstaking process. It is important to be patient and to take the time to do things right.

Enjoy the process

Building conservation is a rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to learn about history and to preserve a piece of our built heritage.

Building Regulation Update June 2022

Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power)
The update to the Building regulations includes new insulation requirements for new dwellings, which is now to be assessed under a new Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation called SAP10.
Self-builders will also have to conduct on-site audits to confirm that the design details in their plans have been constructed, and photographs must be taken as evidence. U-values have also been revised and the recommendations to avoid thermal bridging.
For existing dwellings, minimum new fabric efficiency standards will now apply if you’re looking to introduce new or replacement thermal element to your dwelling, such as new windows, rooflights and doors – meaning a lowering of U-values.
There are new rules for the amount of glazing included in extensions, improvements for lighting design and a new low flow temperature requirement for heating systems. The maximum flow temperature in a central heating system is now 55°C where it was previously over 75°C.

Part F (Ventilation)
The update is intended to make it easier for self-builders and renovators to understand the impact of ventilation dwellings.
It should be noted that when energy efficiency work is done in existing dwellings, the ventilation must not be made any worse, in line with existing measures for controlled services and fittings.
Mandated checklists will now make it easier for installations of mechanical ventilation products – both in new and existing dwellings.
It is now a requirement that replacement windows are provided with trickle vents unless there is an alternative form of background ventilation, such as air bricks or whole house mechanical ventilation with heat recovery or that the works do not result in the ventilation being worse than before the work was carried out.


New Parts to the Building Regulations
Part O (Overheating)

The new Part O is intended to limit excess solar gain in new and existing dwellings and remove excess heat.
Compliance can be achieved through the use of two methodologies with standards based on whether a house is cross-ventilated or not. Also, a standard is included for the maximum amount of glazing allowed in a single room.


Part S (Electric Vehicle Charging)
The new Part S includes the requirement to install charging points for electric vehicles, and provides technical guidance regarding charging them in our dwellings.

Larger House Extensions

The increased size limits for single-storey rear extensions that were previously time limited and due to expire on 30 May 2019 have now been made permanent by government.
Any such proposals will still be subject to the associated neighbour consultation scheme. This requires that the relevant Local Planning Authority is informed of the proposed work via a prior approval application.
An extension or to your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, subject to the following limits and conditions:
 No more than half the area of land around the original house would be covered by additions or other buildings.
 No extension would be forward of the principal elevation or side elevation fronting a highway.
 No extension to be higher than the highest part of the roof.
 Single-storey rear extensions must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than eight metres if a detached house; or more than six metres for any other house.
If the house is in Article 2(3) designated land or a Site of Special Scientific Interest, this limit is reduced to four metres if a detached house; or three metres for any other house.
These limits are now permanent and subject to the neighbour consultation scheme. This requires that the relevant Local Planning Authority is informed of the proposed work via a prior approval application.
 A maximum height of a single-storey rear extension of four metres.
 Extensions of more than one storey must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres.
 A maximum eaves height of an extension within two metres of the boundary of three metres.
 A maximum eaves and ridge height of extension no higher than the existing house.
 Side extensions to be single storey with maximum height of four metres and width no more than half that of the original house.
 Two-storey extensions no closer than seven metres to the rear boundary.
 The roof pitch of extensions higher than one storey to match the existing house.
 Materials to be similar in appearance to the existing house.
 No verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
 Upper-floor, side-facing windows to be obscure-glazed; any opening to be 1.7m above the floor.
 On Article 2(3) designated land no permitted development for rear extensions of more than one storey.
 On Article 2(3) designated land no cladding of the exterior.
 On Article 2(3) designated land no side extensions.
Note 1
The term “original house” means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). Although you may not have built an extension to the house, a previous owner may have done so.
Note 2
Article 2(3) designated land is land within:
 a conservation area; or
 an area of outstanding natural beauty; or
 an area specified by the Secretary of State for the purposes of enhancement and protection of the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside; or
 the Broads; or
 a National Park; or
 a World Heritage Site
Note 3
The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:
 Flats and maisonettes
 Converted houses or houses created through the permitted development rights to change use
 Other buildings
 Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights

Petition to Reduce VAT to 5% on Repairs and Approved Alterations to Listed Buildings.

The Listed Property Owners’ Club is mounting a petition to reduce VAT to 5% on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings.

In 2012, the Government removed the zero rate of VAT for pre-authorised alterations to listed buildings. This has had a significant impact on the conservation of historic buildings. Many owners of historic buildings find the constraints and complex nature involved with the care and repair of historic building a financial struggle.

The reduction of VAT to 5% on repairs and approved alterations would make this financial constraint less burdensome and make a significant contribution to the conservation of our historic environment.
More information can be found at The Listed Property Owners’ Club.  www.lpoc.co.uk

Ban on Combustible Cladding

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy the government established a comprehensive building safety programme that included an independent review on fire safety and the building regulations. In the summer the government published its response to this review and said it would ban the use of combustible materials on external walls of high-rise buildings subject to consultation.

On the 1st October 2018 the government  confirmed that it will take forward this ban on all high-rise buildings that contain flats, as well as hospitals, residential care premises and student accommodation above 18 metres.

This ban will be delivered through changes to building regulations and will limit materials available to products achieving a European classification of Class A1 or A2.

Permitted Development Rights

The Government has announced it is revising its proposals to grant permitted development rights for larger house extensions for a period of three years. The announcement was made in the House of Commons when the Growth and Infrastructure Bill was debated.
The proposed reforms should make it quicker, easier and cheaper for people to build small-scale, single-storey extensions and conservatories without the need for making a planning application.
The proposals have nothing to do with the requirements of the building regulations which would still apply.

Review of Building Regulations and Housing Standards

Don Foster the new Communities Minister has brought together a group of building experts, with a mission to simplifying the rules and regulations that control building in order to simplify the existing system for developers, builders and householders. This in part will facilitate efficiencies and promote economic growth.
The strategy forms part of the on-going process to reduce red tape and to go some way in satisfying the need for new build homes.
As with all these reviews the intention is to reduce regulation and make the process of building less burdensome. We will see if that occurs.
The group intends to provide a report to the government in the spring and I will keep you advised as matters progress.
Mr Foster stated that ” an urgent review has now started, bringing the Government together with house builders, planners, councils and architects to establish what the unnecessary measures are that we can cut out of the system, whilst ensuring buildings are still made to exacting standards.”

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)

There have been changes to the reporting requirements for RIDDOR. RIDDOR puts duties on employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises (the Responsible Person) to report serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences (near misses).
From the 6th April 2012 the reporting requirement in RIDDOR for over-three day injuries has been revised. The reporting point has increased from more than three days to more than seven days incapacitation. (Incapacitation means that the worker is absent or is unable to do work that they would reasonably be expected to do as part of their normal work.)
Under RIDDOR the Responsible Per is still required keep a record of all over- three day injuries. (This would normally be recorded in the Accident Book)
The deadline by which the over-seven day injury must be reported has also increased to 15 days from the day of the accident.

Building your own home news

It was recently and officially announced by the Housing Minister Grant Shapps that new support is now available to give people advice and support when intending to build their own home.
Many people see the idea of building their own home as an opportunity to design and build a home to suit their own requirements and to save costs.
The news comes on the back of reports which suggest that there are an increasing amount of mortgages available for self-build.
Good advice and guidance can be found at the new Portal at www.selfbuildportal.org.uk.

National Planning Policy Framework unveiled

The National Planning Policy Framework is now in force. The Planning Minister Greg Clark stated that the new framework:
• made it clear that the local plan was the keystone of the planning regime
• was crystal clear that sustainable development embraces social and environmental as well as economic objectives and does so in a balanced way
• referred explicitly to the five principles of the UK Sustainable Development Strategy
• went further than ever before and is clear that councils should look for net improvements on all dimensions of sustainability
• made explicit that the presumption in favour of sustainable development works through, not against, local plans
• made it clear that relevant policies – such as those protecting the Green Belt, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Parks and other areas – cannot be overridden by the presumption
• recognised the intrinsic value and beauty of the countryside (whether specifically designated or not)
• made explicit what was always implicit: that councils’ policies must encourage brownfield sites to be brought back into use
• underlined the importance of town centres, while recognising that businesses in rural communities should be free to expand
• embraced a localist approach to creating a buffer of housing supply over and above five years, and in the use of windfall sites
• allowed councils to protect back gardens – those precious urban oases
• ensured that playing fields continue to benefit from that same protection that they do currently.