Is Double Glazing Acceptable for Listed Property Repairs?
- Iain Collins
- Aug 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Historic England has recently released its latest advice notice on the subject of energy and carbon efficiency in historic buildings, providing some much needed clarity on questions such as this.
The guidance describes how to adapt historic buildings to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, while preserving their historic significance. Up until now, the balance between these two goals has been left to the current planning framework and this has resulted in some inconsistent decision making by local planning authorities across the country.
Within the guidance, Historic England have set out a list of common property improvements and repairs, along with some helpful commentary on what is likely or unlikely to be permitted without planning permission, listed building consent or both. The overarching concept of the 'whole building' approach to improving thermal efficiency remains. A series of smaller, and often lower cost, improvements may be more beneficial overall than one large improvement.
The list in summary:
Windows
Draught-proofing of windows will almost invariably be acceptable.
Installation of secondary glazing to the windows will generally be acceptable.
Installation of slim-profile or vacuum double-glazing within historic frames will generally be acceptable.
Replacement of windows which do not contribute to the architectural or historic interest of a building with double-glazed windows of appropriate material and pattern, will generally be acceptable.
Doors
Draught-proofing of doors will generally be acceptable.
Insulation
Loft insulation will generally be acceptable.
Internally insulating the roof will be acceptable in some cases e.g. woodfibre boards used to overboard lath and plaster.
Insulation between, or under, floors will generally be acceptable.
Internal wall insulation will be acceptable in some cases.
External wall insulation is unlikely to be acceptable.
Installation of insulation within external walls will be acceptable in some cases.
Reinstatement of historic render finishes removed from listed buildings will improve their thermal performance and is almost invariably desirable.
Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems
Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems may be acceptable in some cases.
Heating systems and heat pumps
Changing boilers, heating and hot water systems to low carbon alternatives, such as heat pumps, will generally be acceptable.
Photovoltaic and solar thermal panels
Installation of photovoltaic and solar thermal panels will be acceptable in some cases.
Installation of panels will generally be acceptable if hidden from view.
Installation of panels will generally not be acceptable on principal roof slopes, if they would be visible and would detract from the building’s special interest.
Installation of panels on roof slopes of less prominence will generally be acceptable, even if they would be visible.
Mounting panels on outbuildings or land associated with a listed building, provided they are not of greater prominence, will generally be preferable to installation on the main building.
Solar slates
The installation of solar slates will be acceptable in some cases.
Wind power
Historic England will be publishing separate guidance on this topic.
Electric vehicle charging points
Domestic off-street electric vehicle charging points will generally be acceptable.
The Government's commitment to net zero carbon by 2050 has begun to permeate through the planning system and interpreting its practical effect on historic buildings is likely to happen gradually. This is a welcome step along the way.
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