Agenda item

To explore within the planning framework the policies relating to listed buildings (within the context of climate change) and what can be done to support and improve their sustainability (20 minutes)

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Planning and Building who explained that the Government had commissioned a report to look at the issues related to listed buildings and premises in conservation areas regarding the potential to improve the energy performance of historic buildings and generation of low carbon energy. This report entitled “Adapting historic homes for energy efficiency: a review of the barriers” was published in January and linked these matters back to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.  The report highlighted a range of areas which constrain the ability of property owners to improve the energy performance of their premises and generate green energy.  Planning controls and resources were one area highlighted.

The report noted that there is a lot of guidance some of which is helpful and some less so (they do not all align).  There are also resource and funding issues around this sector particularly in relation to skills shortages in knowledge of how to deal with works to historic buildings.

A consultation by Historic England, mentioned in the Government report, called  ‘Climate Change and Historic Building Adaptation’ is being developed with the intention of consolidating guidance  to support decision making in this sector in relation to works to historic buildings including on what should and what should not  need listed building consent and what types of alterations should generally  be acceptable. 

Members felt that this was a complicated area and that they would like something more specific instead of links to Government and other guidance and would like more details which includes the environmental impact.  The Head of Planning and Building explained that this was a complex area and some of this can be looked at corporately in relation to the wider action the Council is taking in response to the Climate Emergency. 

It was felt that some of the guidance is too technical and not easily understood by residents.  Guidance could be more practical for residents to be able to make their buildings more sustainable.  It is understood that there will be some Pathfinder local authorities and funding for training will be extremely helpful.  The Head of Planning and Building responded that with the right additional resources being identified it would be possible to deliver bespoke training for owners of listed buildings, Parish Councils and Councillors.

A Member asked about the impact of any changes on planning applications and what help and support Councillors will get when approving or not approving applications.  The Head of Planning and Building explained that conservation officer advice is provided for applications which affect historic buildings/conservations areas to assist with decision making and there are some changes to buildings that do not require permission.  The draft note by Historic England will also give advice to the Council regarding what should and what shouldn’t require consent. 

The draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) is out for consultation and will provide policy against which applications would be assessed in future. There is training already scheduled for Councillors on historic buildings and conservation and the Head of Planning and Building will also investigate whether a specialist could attend or organise a sperate session to give some advice and training specifically regarding this area. 

Additional resource will be required to deliver specialist training and support and possibly provide a bespoke guide for Test Valley, relating to the scope to carryout improvements to listed buildings, as some other Local Authorities have done.

In summary there are themes associated with guidance and training for applicants, Councillors and officers regarding enhancement to historic asserts and it would be useful to link this to wider corporate work around the climate emergency programme.

There is concern that passing it over to the Climate Emergency Working Group will delay the process and suggested that officers follow up on the actions in parallel with passing the actions to the Climate Emergency Working Group and report back to a future meeting.

The recommendation as set out below was proposed by Councillor Jeffrey and seconded by Councillor Neal.  Upon being put to the vote the motion was carried.

Resolved:

1.  That the key issues and comments from this meeting be forwarded to the Climate Emergency Working Group for further consideration. 

2.  That the Head of Planning and Building reviews the actions raised and brings back an update to a future meeting.