Climate change is recognised as the biggest threat our planet faces today. Energy usage from buildings contributes to climate change, and increases day-to-day running costs.

A balanced approach to improving the energy efficiency of a listed building is needed, so that its historic interest can be protected.

Alongside the information on this webpage, we have published comprehensive conservation advice which covers energy efficiency and historic upgrades - fabric upgrades and energy generation.

Before you start

Before you carry out any energy efficiency works to your listed building, it's important that it's already well-maintained and in good repair.

Cracked renders, blocked gutters, damaged windows, and inappropriate materials (such as cement renders and plastic based paints) can lead to problems with damp.

If your building has damp, you won't see the benefits of improving its energy efficiency.

If your listed building is in good repair, then a 'whole house' approach should be used. This means considering all works that would improve energy efficiency, without harming the building's historic or architectural interest.

There are a few simple upgrades you can make, which do not need permission. They include:

  • heavy curtains
  • draught excluders
  • rugs and carpets
  • insulating hot water tanks

Building regulations

Many energy efficiency measures are covered by building regulations - most notably Parts F and L, which cover ventilation and energy efficiency.

Whilst works to historic buildings must comply with these measures as far as possible, exceptions are written into the regulations where 'to do so would unacceptably alter the dwelling's character or appearance'.

There are also similar exemptions for the private renting of buildings where Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) apply.

 

Do I need planning permission?

Whether you will need listed building consent, planning permission or building regulations approval will depend on what the proposed works are.

Please note that there will be exceptions, which will depend on the building.

Lower impact measures should always be considered first.

The table below gives you an idea as to what permission(s) you might need, depending on what you'd like to do.

Proposed works Impact (low or high) Requires Listed Building Consent Requires planning permission Requires building regulations approval
Secondary glazing Low Unlikely No No
Replacing windows and doors High Yes Yes Yes
Draught proofing Low Unlikely No No
Loft insulation at joists/floor Low Unlikely No No
Internal or external wall, roof, and floor insulation High Yes Possibly, if externally visible Yes
Chimney and flue upgrades Low Possibly, if historic fabric needs changing or removal Yes, if externally visible No
Replacing lighting or lightbulbs Low Unlikely No No, only for new light fittings
Ground mounted solar panels, or fixed to modern outbuilding of no significance Low No Yes Yes
Solar panels fixed directly to historic building High Yes Yes Yes
New or replacement internal heating systems Low Unlikely No Yes
Ground source heat pumps Low Possibly, if historic fabric needs changing or removal Yes, if externally visible Yes
External boilers High Yes Yes Yes
Wind turbines High Yes Yes Yes
Air source heat pumps High Possibly, if historic fabric needs changing or removal Yes, if externally visible Yes
Electric vehicle (EV) charger fixed to historic building High Yes Yes Yes
Electric vehicle (EH) charger fixed to modern structure Low No Yes Yes

 

Local Listed Building Consent Order - Windows

We currently have a Local Listed Building Consent Order in place for certain works to windows on Grade II listed buildings only.

This gives blanket listed building consent to any Grade II listed building for certain works, provided that the works meet specific conditions as set out in the Order.

This means that you are able to improve thermal efficiency, without the need for formal Consent.

For more details on the Order - including the conditions and the notification process - please visit our Local Listed Building Consent Order - Windows webpage.

Contact us

If you would like to discuss your plans further, please email heritage@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk

You can also phone 0300 123 4000 (Option 5, Option 3).

Further information