Andy Parker

Andy joined Carpenter Oak & Woodland in 2005, to help the company provide a greater focus on customer service, marketing and sales. Andy’s background is varied indeed – helping him to bring a wide range of skills to the team. An avid lover of carpentry, Andy has also spent time in furniture restoration and conservation – something he still enjoys as a hobby.

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Previous posts

• Musings on Arts and Crafts
• Environmentally responsible building
• Why oak?
• Wood Awards
• Interbuild 2007

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By Andy Parker

Once again this week I’ve been asked by a prospective customer if he needs listed building consent to have work carried out on a barn that he wants to repair.  Unfortunately the legislation in this area is in my view confusing and extremely subjective.  However the basic principle for anyone undertaking work on a building that is listed or they think might be listed is to talk to your local Conservation Officer.  Don’t forget that generally even if a building like a barn is not specifically listed, if it is on the curtilage of a building that is then it is subject to the same restrictions with regard to repair and rebuilding work. 

Don’t underestimate the importance of the words repair and rebuilding.  If the work you propose to do constitutes rebuilding then you definitely need listed building consent.  In principle you can make a repair to a listed building providing that in doing so you don’t change the character of the building, which is of course a subjective view!  So you’re back to the same position.  You’re far better to get your local conservation officer involved at the start of the process and get their buy in to your proposals.  If you proceed without the necessary consents you could become criminally liable for damage to a listed building as could any tradesman and subcontractors you use.