The government has published proposals to make it easier for owners to retrofit historic buildings to improve their energy efficiency.

Retrofitting historic buildings can be both challenging and expensive. It requires specialist skills and materials to preserve the building’s historic character.

Recent revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework should make it easier to obtain permission for historic building retrofit, a current key barrier. The planned introduction of a National Management Policy should reduce the current inconsistencies in planning permission, which some report leads to a “postcode lottery”.  

Increased use of Listed Building Consent Orders should streamline permission for improvements such as standard design double glazing.

Training to reduce skills gaps in both local authority planning departments and in the retrofit industry are required and the government is working with Historic England and training providers to address this. 

In addition, owners of historic buildings will be provided with easy accessible information on how to improve the energy efficiency of buildings without damaging their historic qualities.

Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-efficiency-drive-for-historic-homes