Conservation Deficit, Problems Associated with Solutions and English Heritages Role In Helping the preservation

Abstract

After working on several historic buildings within London from dilapidated Grade II listed community buildings as well as multi million pound homes I have definitely taken a keen interest into historically valuable buildings, a huge influence in my decision to pursue building surveying.
The purpose is to increase the public’s understanding of the restoration of historic buildings and the problems faced when doing so. The biggest problems found were the costs involved compared to the finished value of the restored work. When a private owner is considering restoring a building on the buildings at risk register there are many additional factors that would not be needed on a standard restoration such as gaining listed building consent, using the original building techniques and materials, regular inspections and recommendations by a conservation officer, massive potential for unforeseen problems and so on. All of these factors contribute to high costs which greatly reduces the likelihood of investment in affected buildings.
Ultimately the issue of conservation deficit is often unavoidable. A lot of the buildings affected are considered uninhabitable and out dated even if closely restored to their original state, both dwellings and commercial buildings alike. It leaves them with historic value but no valid reason to have the huge sums of money required for restoring and maintaining them. This is particularly the case when privately owned and leaves many properties in private ownership with no prospects. Regeneration projects are becoming increasingly popular giving a glimmer of hope for buildings affected by conservation deficit.