How to get something listed

[Anonymous]

I have just returned from visiting friends in their new (but old 1908) house. I think it should be considered for listing because: 1) It is one ofd a pair of semis that were designed by a woman architect. 2) It still has all the leaded windows. It has some interesting original colured concrete(?) floor in the hall. An arts and crafts oak fireplace in the sitting room with matching panelling and an oak arts and crafts staircase as well as various other things.

The main reason for me is the fact that it was designed so long ago by a woman makes me think it worthwile saving. However, I know that it would have to be inspected by the relevant authorities first.

My friends seemed interested but guarded when I suggested it to them and asked what would be the benefit to them (they are about to knock through the downstairs cloakroom and pantry area to make a shower room.

The house needs lots of renovation as it was lived in by an old person for a long time (some fireplaces are missing) but this makes me think that nasty things could easitly be done it - any ideas as to how to persuade them?

 

[Anonymous]

It sound interesting but possibly not enough to be listable under the current regime. So don't get too excited about that!

You can contact the Victorian Society for initial advice and they MAY support a listing if they think it worthwhile - but it would have to be of 'special interest' indeed to get listed a house of this era. The architect may help if you have more information and she is considered of note.

Sad but at the moment that's how things are.

You could also contact the local English Heritage office for some initial advice - listing applications, accompanied by a great deal of bumph about the building, its history etc etc have to be submitted to EH in London. Then a very long wait indeed...

Try interesting your friends though in its history and architecture, and persuade them it's worth sensitive traetment.. Get then to have a look at the Vic Soc site, go on a SPAB Homeowner's weekend...



http://www.victorian-society.org.uk

 

[Anonymous]

1908 is actually edwardian...... if you know the architects name, that might help. it is quite hard to get anything post 1840 listed due to current (extremely silly in my opinion) listing criteria............

 

[Anonymous]

But Sarah they may not want it listed and certainly not if they've got their own plans for the place.

I wish ours wasn't - much too restrictive.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm really glad our second house was listed. If it hadn't been, I hate to think what we might have done to it.

And I'm even more glad that our present house is listed, after a well-meaning friend made enthusiastic suggestions as to how we could 'improve' it (knock down the little kitchen extension and the back wall of the breakfast room and the sitting-room above, so as to instal one of those state-of-the-art glass extensions). I was only able to shut him up by saying "it wouldn't be allowed".

One can never be sure who will take over the care of one's house, but at least if it's listed it's protected from vandalism of that sort.

 

[Anonymous]

The Victorian Society covers Edwardian buildings too - although as Andrew said and I said above - trying to get anything of that era listed is hard and it would have to have some pretty special 'special interest'. It does happen though. I've done it!

I'm not sure why people buy listed buildings if they aren't prepared to accept tha fact that brings restrictions, and that's the purpose of listing. Plenty of unlisted buildings around to alter at will...

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies, I think I'm only worried because they are a couple who have never had an interest in their homes in that way and could do some damage in ignorance. i'll just have to do as Evelyn suggests and give them some inspiring but easy reading!

 

[Anonymous]

You could give them a gift of a year's subscription to the Vic Soc....

Try to find out more about the architect though - that may be one way to get listing, although if the place has been too altered even then it's dodgy.

 

[Anonymous]

You say that, but actually COnservation Officers are not as conservative as you might think.
A couple in Westminster were allowed to remove most of the external walls at the rear of their Nash Terrace near Regent's Park and install floor to ceiling glass walls. It was amazing!
How listed buildings develop over time is a part of their charm, as long as whatever happens to them is attractive, useful etc etc. Not all change is a bad thing!

 

[Anonymous]

Ah yes - Westminster. hmmm.

Span Four at Paddington...

Some change is a very bad thing indeed.

And there are some lousy CO's who like an easy life.


http://www.savebritainsheritage.org