DLHC ministers have published new plans they say will remove barriers to owners of older properties making energy efficient improvements ‘without the blight of ugly or inappropriate retrofit damaging these properties.
The Government has published its review into the challenges households face when retrofitting in conservation areas and listed buildings.
Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance Lord Callanan said: “We’ve already made huge progress in improving energy efficiency – with almost half of all homes in England at an EPC rating of C or above, up from 14% in 2010.
“Today’s measures will now help to keep historic homes warm for less, while protecting our heritage as we progress towards our net zero goal.”
Housing and Communities Minister Baroness Penn added: “Our historic homes are the jewel in the crown of this country’s heritage and must be protected.
“This review will ensure they are preserved for future generations to enjoy, while also improve the lives of those who live in them by reducing their energy costs, supporting us in our shared goal to reach Net Zero by 2050.”
The review has set out a series of commitments to drive energy efficiency and low carbon heating improvements to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas across England, as part of the Government’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050.
Minister for Arts & Heritage Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “People who own and live in historic homes are their custodians, and want to take responsible action to protect them for the benefit of generations to come.
“That isn’t always as straightforward as it should be, so this review has looked at how we can make it easier, while continuing to protect our historic environment.”
Commitments set out in the review to drive energy efficiency include:
- A consultation on new national development management policy specially for historic buildings, ensuring greater certainty and consistency in decisions.
- Consulting on the greater use of Listed Building Consent Orders to support building improvements, removing the need to submit individual listed building consent applications.
- Developing clearer guidance for historic homeowners on improving energy efficiency and supporting the construction industry to better deliver retrofitting services.
- Consulting on reforms to Energy Performance Certificates to ensure they are accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
