The idea of a new Grade III listed building status has hit the national headlines again this week.
Put forward by Will Arnold from the Institution of Structural Engineers, the idea suggests the status would automatically apply to all existing buildings in the UK to protect them from needless demolition, making re-use the norm. “The property may only be demolished if it is structurally unsafe, or is given special dispensation by the local planning authority,” he writes in the Architects’ Journal.
We talk to Heritage Team Leader and building re-use & retrofit champion Kevin Balch for his views:
“The notion that a Grade III listing could apply to all existing buildings to halt needless demolition is interesting. It’s a staggering fact that up to half of a building’s lifetime carbon emissions may have been emitted by the point the building work completes. It’s equally frustrating that the current tax system promotes demolition over re-use,” says Kevin.
“As a Conservation Architect, the notion of trying to re-use buildings and conserve materials comes naturally – it’s an inherent approach. Given the climate emergency, I think a blanket planning change is probably necessary – and timely, actually, given the Government’s current consultation on proposed changes to planning policy to give significant weight to energy efficiency improvements through adaption of existing buildings. The consultation recognises the particular challenges brought by conservation areas and listed buildings, and further provisions on balancing conservation with carbon reduction measures may come later in the year.
“Also, with retrofit being an increasing area of focus for the development industry, there is an obvious link in terms of priorities. Would a Grade III listing help solve some of the problems which retrofit looks to tackle? Or would it instead throw into question the point and purpose of our existing Grade I, II * and II statuses? Depending on who you talk to, you may get some very different answers.”
Read more about our approach to building re-use and retrofit.