The government is starting consultations on making historic homes more energy efficient without the risk of damaging protected properties by retrofitting.
The government has published a review into the challenges households face when retrofitting in conservation areas and listed buildings, finding that planning was a major issue faced by households.
Minister for housing and communities Baroness Penn said the consultation will ensure the homes are “preserved for future generations to enjoy” while reducing energy costs for homeowners so they can support the “shared goal to reach net zero by 2050”.
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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.
