Listed Building Grade II to II*

[paulb33]

In my earlier thread on windows, someone mentioned benefits of lead paint. And, the fact that approval to use lead is restricted to Grade II* buildings.

What are the pros and cons of going II* Listed?

Our local Conservation Officer (now retired...) once told me he would like to see my home moved to II*. But, he regretted that local resources probably prevented that happening. I'm unclear why that might be so.

So, what are the issues involved here? Can (should?) one lobby for this change?

Our building is the former home of a noted architect, designed and built for his own occupation. I'm about to embark on a restoration programme and wondered whether we should delay and re-align the listed status, if possible.

 

[JoceAndChris]

There are at least two other 2* owners on here who can comment more knowledgeably than I on what it's like owning a building where every permission is granted by EH, not the CO.

But I can comment on the process of listing. Our house wasn't listed when we moved here and it took over 2 yrs to get G2 status. This wasn't due to any disagreement because the feedback was always " more than meets criteria". It was due to the extreme slowness with which EH operates.

If you want to get your house that extra level of protection ( which was partly my motivation - my other motivation being that everyone takes a listed building more seriously) - then go for it. But it's a long haul, and the comment of my listing researcher from EH was that most of her time is spent de-listing, which I'd imagine would make the lives of those at EH on restricted budgets, and new insane guidelines, a lot easier.

As far as I'm aware it's nothing to do with your CO. Gareth ( a contributer, and CO on this forum) and myself did all the application, which involves some pretty hefty statements and research. It was fun but also quite a bit of work. Worth it though for our successful result!

Good luck if you decide to go ahead.

 

[paulb33]

Great feedback. Thank you. My house is in Wales, so I assume Listing is CADW remit(?).
Paul

 

[JoceAndChris]

I apologise for not thinking of beautiful Wales. Yes, I think CADW and from what I've seen of them, they're very much better than EH.

Perhaps Gareth Hughes will comment as he knows vastly more than me about this.

Please please could we have a piccy of your house?

I think you should do the renovations and apply at the same time. No one in their right mind would mess up a G2* house, it will be a nice legacy after you've gone (and during your occupancy a nice thing to have achieved!)

 

[paulb33]

Please please could we have a piccy of your house?

No need to apologise! Original drawings attached.

 

[paulb33]

And present day....

(turned cold...)

 

[JoceAndChris]

Delightful - very whimsical and fun. Glad it has come to someone who really cares about it.

 

[paulb33]

Last one (promise...).

If you're interested, I put together a VERY rough Flickr page on Coates Carter where I've started to put together some of his work. Its not pretty.....

http://www.flickr.com/groups/2208809@N22/

Thanks for your interest.

 

[JoceAndChris]

I promise you we never get tired of piccies. I'd love to see the interior detailing - is it intact?

Wonderful flickr page - what an interesting architect.

 

[plasticpigeon]

That looks a very special house. Funny that in the Architectural review, the window frames look white or light coloured!!!!I bet there is some amazing tiling inside unless its been removed.

 

[paulb33]

The interior is, mercifully, almost totally intact. Quite an extravagant dark quarter sawn oak, complete with his collection of 17th century locks. The airing cupboard has a two foot square Bavarian lock and key.

Luckily the feature window arches remain intact, with coloured glazing.

 

[paulb33]

Funny that in the Architectural review, the window frames look white or light coloured!!!!

Hence my desire to get a proper analysis done!

 

[JoceAndChris]

Wonderful that you have the intact interiors and the locks!

 

[LadyArowana]

The airing cupboard has a two foot square Bavarian lock and key.

Luckily the feature window arches remain intact, with coloured glazing.

They must have had some fancy towels, although perhaps it was where they kept the silver. How lovely it's still there.

 

[malcolm]

I deliberately didn't buy a listed building for the hassle and expense. Conservation area is bad enough, listed worse, so more listed surely even worser. If you are the kind of fellow that will want to look after his building there should be no advantage in listing.

For paints, in automotive when I want fancy paints the paint shop assumes I am a professional painter. When I want paint that is banned in the mainstream apart from classic restoration they assume I am a classic restorer. I say nothing. Wouldn't be surprised if you can't just order the paint you want.

 

[Moo]

If you are the kind of fellow that will want to look after his building there should be no advantage in listing..

It's not your kind of fellow that they're worried about. The listing is there to protect the building from the vandals who might own it in years to come. You've only to look at PlasticPigeon's photos to see what I mean!