News

Making the grade – the importance of conserving historic buildings

August 14, 2017

It’s been 70 years since the Town and Country Planning Act of 1947 started protecting the UK’s important buildings by giving them listed status. Our director, Chris Jude, explains the importance of getting good conservation advice to make sure that we continue to preserve the country’s heritage properties and old buildings.

The UK’s built heritage is made up of a variety of properties that not only hold visual appeal for many but are also steeped in history. The traditional construction techniques and materials used means many feature intricate detailing and handmade components that cannot be easily replicated.

With these intricacies comes a more complex way of building repair and maintenance. Traditionally constructed buildings don’t perform in the same way as modern buildings and must be treated differently at every stage of their conservation and repair.

The ever-increasing demand for modern living means that many old buildings require updates and repairs to keep them safe and habitable. Historic architecture can be adapted to meet modern requirements without losing the historic fabric or with alterations which are designed to be reversible.

Relatively few contractors and consultants have the required craft skills needed to carry out the work sympathetically, so it’s vital that owners seek out professional advice from an expert conservation specialist before the project gets underway, even for the smallest of repairs.

While owners may be well-intentioned and believe that the planned work will not affect the character of a building, local planning authorities may take a different view. Our team at Building Surveyors Ltd includes RICS accredited conservation specialists who liaise with conservation officers from councils and organisations such as Historic England to ensure that any work carried out is both compliant and retains the original character of the building.

To find out more about the expert advice, guidance and project management services we’ve provided, click here 

To discuss any conservation project requirements, call us on 0191 500 9789.