When to contact CO

[frustin]

I'm pretty new into a listed building and there's a number of repairs that need doing over the next year or so.

Repair work: do i need to contact the CO to ask to do that? I have a wall that clearly has some modern render as there's blistering occurring:


Clearly it needs to be removed and replaced with fat lime render. Do need to get a CO to check that?

The chimney breasts have been repointed with cement not lime mortar, do i need to get CO to replace that?

My sash windows need to be repaired. None need replacing from what i can see, they dont leak but some of them are very drafty. Maybe sills need replacing. Do I need a CO to oversee that?

 

[Cubist]

As a general rule any 'like-for-like' repairs do not require approval from the CO. In other words, so long as you do not intend removing the render without replacing it then there would be no issues or objections. Similarly removing and replacing the cement pointing with a lime mortar would be perfectly acceptable. So to would any repairs to the sashes provided you do not intend making any alteration to their appearance or installing double glazing - some COs get a little excited about DG.

BTW - the pointing of the brickwork below the timber cill/sole plates look a little dubious. It may be an idea to get that dealt with too.

Its always a good idea to keep on the right side of the CO and often a simple phone call just to ask for an opinion will go a long way to avoid pain in the future.

 

[Kearn]

Like for like repairs seems to be one of those variable areas… while it may well not need LBC, it does technically still need CO agreement that it doesn’t need LBC. Many of us will use good judgement as to whether the admin is required though…

Speaking to a CO to check simple things is sadly no longer a realistic possibility for pretty much all councils. So, you’re into the realms of a paid for pre-app to pose Qs. At which point, you should chuck everything you’re considering under their nose. Treat it as a full app and test the water on all possible works.

If you’re changing materials, then again, technically LBC is needed, even if you’re removing the incorrect modern crap and replacing with what should be there. Easier to push through if you been priced there modern stuff post rates listing date and didn’t have LBC.
Timber window repairs I interpret wouldn’t need even a nod.

But then again, all the stuff on your list I’d consider just doing, BUT … I feel like your house may need some significant work and getting the CO on side will be in your interests further down the line. If a noisy neighbour decides to contact the council about works going on, they’re obligated to send it the enforcement officer to respond and then things can unravel…