Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Listed Building?
A. Listed Buildings hold a lot of history and are one of the most significant ways in which the history of the United Kingdom is preserved and protected for future generations. When a building or area is of historic interest, it is considered a place of national importance and is added to the National Heritage List for England. This listing implies extra restrictions on changes you might want to make to the building’s interior and exterior.
There are three categories of listed buildings:
Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.
Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*.
Grade II buildings are of special interest; 91.7% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner. Surprisingly the total number of listed buildings are unknown, as one single entry on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) can sometimes cover a number of individual units, such as a row of terraced houses. However, we estimate that there are around 500,000 listed buildings on the NHLE.
Please see some of the projects we have completed on Listed Buildings or for more information get in touch.
Q. Are you allowed to use double glazing for Listed Buildings?
A. Often this is a misunderstanding, just because a building is listed it does not mean it is protected from change.
When a property is listed it does not mean work cannot be done on it but that works need to be approved by your local authority. It is generally accepted the first tenant of preserving a building is to make it usable and functional, additionally, in recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the need to improve the thermal efficiency of buildings and help to reduce climate change. Where this can be done unobtrusively and without detriment, this has included many historic buildings.
Windows are vital to a buildings appearance and beauty giving information about the building’s origins and historical development. Windows in listed buildings are of real importance and should be protected as a vital part of a buildings history and character. If it is not possible to keep the original a replacement should be virtually indistinguishable from the original. If not designed correctly with an understanding of how historic buildings function, the replacement of historic windows with modern versions can often have a damaging effect on the character and appearance of the building, as well as damaging the fabric and function of the building causing irreparable damage.
It is therefore imperative that advice and guidance is taken when taking such an important decision. A good architect or surveyor who specialise in historic and listed buildings are valuable when undertaking research. Alternatively, information can be found on most government planning and Historic England websites. Since the rules are different depending on the conservation area you live in, it is always important to contact the Local Authority before starting any work. It is also vitally important that any window company that you may be thinking of using have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of historic buildings and how they function in order to prevent costly irreparable mistakes.
For more than 3 decades Touchstone Glazing Solutions and Design Glass have been looking after, repairing, restoring and replacing windows in historic buildings all across the UK. Our double glazing system has being specifically designed to replicate and function in the same way as the original glazing without damage to the building and wherever possible retaining the original fabric of the window. Therefore, we believe that we have created a product that makes double glazing for listed buildings an achievable outcome.
Q. How long does it take to recieve Listed building consent?
A. This is a difficult question to answer as every application is unique and requires different levels of information, including scale drawings and impact statements.
Local authorities aim to make a decision on planning and listed building consent on all applications within eight weeks which includes a statutory 21 day consultation period so that neighbours and other interested parties can comment on the proposal.
Historic England are consulted on applications involving Grade I or II* listed buildings. A pre-application enquiry can help speed things along by identifying any potential issues early in the planning process. No work on a building of any listing Grade should begin until consent has been granted, and any pre-commencement conditions attached to the consent have been complied with.
Touchstone offers a comprehensive service to support applications including scale drawings, site meetings with conservation officers, architects and if necessary window condition reports. Touchstone can also offer testimonials and evidence from similar completed work when applying for double glazing in a listed building.
Q. Do we need Listed building consent in order to change our windows in a Listed building or heritage site?
A. Absolutely yes! Listed building consent will always be required when changing windows whether single or double glazed. However repairs to existing windows can be done without, although it is still wise to take advice.
Q. Where can I find specialist advice?
A. It is important to obtain expert advice when considering alterations and repairs to Listed Buildings. Surveyors can provide advice on the structural condition of the buildings fabric, and works required for its maintenance and repair. Conservation architects are able to provide similar advice but it is particularly important to obtain specialist advice where alterations and repairs have an effect on historic detail and design.
In both cases it is advisable to find a consultant who specialises in your type of historic building. The following specialist organisations and interest groups will be able to provide you with detailed advice or put you in touch with local specialists.
Listed Property Owners Club - https://www.lpoc.co.uk/
RIBA Conservation Architects Register - https://www.architecture.com/working-with-an-architect/conservation-register
Glass and Glazing Federation - https://www.myglazing.com/about-ggf/homeowners-guides/
Here at Touchstone along with our sister company Design Glass we are passionate about historic windows and we offer a comprehensive advice service. As well as site meetings, compiling specialist reports and offering advice, we also provide a full renovation service of steel windows and leaded lights. Information and advice on our patented double glazing system can be offered by way of drawings, as well as CPD for architects and professionals. We will happily come and meet you onsite to discuss the project further or your more than welcomes to visit out workshop and showroom.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular project please do not hesitate to contact us, we would be more than happy to help in any way we can.