What about repairs?

Repairs that are carried out using identical materials do not normally require Listed Building Consent. The District Council will always encourage owners of Listed Buildings to undertake sympathetic repair work, where possible, rather than the replacement of original features. The replacement of original materials and features can often harm the character or appearance of buildings, especially when cheap or unsuitable materials are used. Many original features can be preserved with careful repair.  

The following materials are NOT usually acceptable:-  

• Concrete roof tiles and machine-made roof tiles
• Synthetic resin slates
• Narrow or PVC weatherboarding
• Standard, mock-period windows and doors or PVC windows and doors
• Modern softwood rafters and beams in place of oak
• PVC rainwater gutters and downpipes
• Hard cement renders and mortars. 

What is meant by duty of repair?

Owners of Listed Buildings have a legal duty to maintain their property in reasonable repair. In exceptional cases the District Council may serve a notice requiring the repair of a Listed Building where it considers that certain works are required for the proper preservation of the building. The notice sets out in detail the works required and gives a time by which such works must be carried out.  

The District Council can compulsorily purchase a badly neglected Listed Building at minimum compensation, or have basic repairs done and recharge the cost to the owner. The Council uses these powers reluctantly, but is prepared to do so to ensure the long-term survival of the built heritage of the District.  

Grant aid may sometimes be available  

What is the best way to maintain a Listed Building? 

Obtain Specialist Advice

Historic Buildings require special care. Carry out regular maintenance. If defects are left they may become difficult and costly to put right. Do-it-yourself repairs or work done by inexperienced tradesmen is often short-lived and does not solve the basic problems. People inexperienced in dealing with old buildings often propose solutions that are unnecessarily costly and may spoil the character of the building.  

Take care and obtain specialist advice. It can be doubly expensive since you can be made to alter unsatisfactory work. Use a registered architect or surveyor, especially if you are considering any alterations or extensions.  

Informal advice and help may be sought from the Conservation Section of the Council’s Planning Service at conservation@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.  

Can I get Financial Help?