An Investigation into the Impact of Part L of the Approved Document has on Listed Buildings in the UK

Abstract

The importance of climate change in the 21st century has become ever more urgent, which has resulted in more stringent energy efficiency measures being developed. This is shown with the UK’s legal commitment to reduce CO² by 80 % by 2050. Therefore, the ever pressing question is whether historic buildings need to become more energy efficient despite their historic and architectural significance. This research paper will critique the decision making process, it will review the perspectives of conservation officer’s views on matters such as subjectivity, sustainability and views regarding the availability policies and guidance in implanting sustainable development. The method used for the collection of data was qualitative, as there was validity in the opinion of the conservation officers working within the planning system. The collection of such data was performed by a well-informed structured interview. The research showed that there was correlation between both the literature review and interview answers. However, both literature and interview answers showed that sacrificing an element of high significance to improve the energy performance will not be acceptable. According #3 the LBCA act 1990 (s66) states that the ‘greatest weight will be afforded statutory duty in relation to preservation of a heritage asset’. Finally, the findings show that the decision making process is subjective in natural. However, it is actually a combination of subjectivity and a well informed decision using heritage principles and guidance. It was derived from the research paper that there is relevant information in relation to upgrading of listed building and how to maintain them. However, there is a vague understanding to what extent sustainable development must be met, if a listed building significance is affect. Furthermore, this is confirmed with the ADL giving exemption where the significance of a designated
asset would be affected. Therefore, this decision then lies with the decision makers to determine a suitable method. It is thus the writers believe that more information is required in relation to the extent to which designated assets need to contribution to the Co² reduction required by 2050. However, due to the nature of listed building this can be difficult as no one listed building can be defined as exactly the same as the next, thus must be determined on individual basis by conservation officers.