Around 200,000 developable listed and historic buildings are lying empty and decaying in the UK because owners and developers fear or don’t understand relevant building regulations.
That’s the assessment of Janice Gooch, Historic and Listed Buildings Conservation Advisor with construction consultancy McBains Cooper, who says that many of those buildings, in their prime, would be more efficient and better value than new-build property.
“Owners and developers are wary of historic building regulations, and expect aggro and red tape - but conservation officers actually much prefer a responsible and proper owner to develop and put a building to use rather than leave it idle and crumbling,” said Janice Gooch, who was formerly a surveyor with the National Trust.
“The consequence is that owners shy away from making development proposals, and conservation officers are unaware that owners may have ideas in mind.
“Because a building is old or historic does not necessarily mean there are severe restrictions, and even listed buildings can be refurbished and re-developed providing regulations are adhered to.
“Around 200,000 historic buildings lie empty, but have strong and realistic potential for redevelopment. These buildings range from small farm buildings to huge warehouses.
“There is a relatively small and exclusive club of heritage-aware building owners and developers who have discovered this niche, and successfully and correctly developed residential, commercial and office accommodation as a consequence.
“But there are certainly others who may have had grand and achievable plans for an old building, but not even bothered to enquire about development potential for fear and perception of coming up against an ancient stone wall of resistance.
“In truth, the resistance is rarely as stiff as imagined – in fact, to the contrary: conservation officers will welcome and support approaches and ideas.
“Owners and developers of historic buildings are also discovering that with simple but consistent maintenance, they can be very efficient. For instance, sash windows – correctly maintained – are as efficient as double glazing according to research by English Heritage.”
McBains Cooper has regional headquarters in London (head office), Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford, Windsor, Lima (Peru) and Mexico City, with associate offices in Belfast and Dublin. |
