Supporting historic buildings to be more energy efficient
Winchester City Council has released a new guide that will help owners of historic buildings to make their homes or businesses more energy efficient.
Energy upgrades to buildings that are listed, or located in a conservation area, can be subject to more complex planning restrictions than modern structures, partly because inappropriate alterations can trap moisture in older buildings, leading to unhealthy living conditions and damage to the buildings.
The guide provides an easy reference to the likely planning permissions needed for different types of energy efficiency upgrades, helping owners to understand what measures they may be able to install on their properties.
One property that’s already made use of the council’s planning support for historic buildings is 12 St. Swithun Street, a Grade II listed building dating back to the mid-17th Century, one of many similar historic houses in the district.
12 St. Swithun Street also has a unique feature; its rear wall was built into the remains of the Roman City Walls of Winchester - parts of which date to the 3rd Century.
Following support from the council, the building was granted consent for substantial insulation works to the ground floor, walls and roof. The type of insulation was carefully
chosen to significantly improve the thermal insulation of the building, protect historic features, whilst avoiding the build-up of damp and therefore preserving the building.
The works are in addition to solar panels, draught proofing and secondary glazing previously installed by the owners.
Speaking about the guide, Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, Cllr Jackie Porter said:
“Improving the energy performance of buildings across the district is a big part of the council’s ambitions to be greener faster and become a carbon neutral district by 2030 - our district’s many fantastic historic buildings are no exception.
I know many people feel that it can be difficult to upgrade historic buildings, but with the right advice and expertise, it’s possible to implement energy efficient measures while still preserving the historic character of the building.
I’m very pleased to see the publication of this guide, it helps explain and simplify what work is likely to be possible depending on the building itself or its location. It’s a win-win situation - reducing energy bills and our impact on the environment.”
More information, including the guide, can be found on the city council’s website.