Just about anyone interested in our heritage and conserving it will be appreciative of the fact that to mark their historical or architectural interest, buildings are given a listed status. This places them into a protection arrangement to shield them against unacceptable alterations as well as any damage. The statutory body that maintains the list in England is Historic England. Wales and Scotland also have their own agencies.
A building that has been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest cannot be altered, extended or demolished without consent from the local authority. Although many of the structures on the list are buildings, it can also include monuments, sculptures or bridges. It has to be said though, that listings are not preservation orders to prevent change. It’s not there to freeze the building in time it just means that listed building consent must be sought prior to doing any work that might affect its special interest.
There are three grades of listing in England and Wales. Grade I is those buildings of exceptional interest. Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest and Grade II buildings are of special interest.
Areas of conservation are slightly different. Not all the buildings may necessarily be listed but because the area is of special architectural or historic interest the owners of any buildings or homes within it would be affected if they want to work on the exterior of them. If any alterations, extension or demolition is to be completed consent would need to be sought from the local planning authority. This careful management protects the character of the area.
BRAC Contracts have the expertise in refurbishment and renovation which qualifies us to bring properties up to standard, regardless of the project’s scale or complexity including its listing or conservation status.
A fine example of our work is the commission from Cherwell District Council to renovate the Grade II listed Old Bodicote House. This included the total renovation of an occupied building and an upgrade of all electrical and mechanical services. To read more about this project click here.
As experts in our field BRAC can offer a one stop shop to manage your entire project. We will work with you to combine innovative construction with meticulous craftsmanship, breathing new life into your building. Our skilled team offers valuable input into cost-effective, space-maximising solutions, renewable energy initiatives, environmental measures and safe, efficient project management.
If you would like to discuss any of the projects mentioned in this article or a project that you feel is suitable for BRAC Contracts then please contact Adam Clark on adam@brac-contracts.co.uk or telephone 01268 573933.
“We had a tight programme for a technically challenging project and BRAC Contracts managed the project from start to finish meeting our deadlines and delivering an excellent end result. It was an enjoyable experience working with such professionals”.
Paul Holliday – Queensmead School
SPACE have contracted BRAC on a number of occasions, they are a pleasure to work with , highly professional, they care about the detail and offer a value for money service. The BRAC team have a positive, can-do attitude and find solutions to any challenge. We recommend them highly.
Anna Harding – Chief Executive SPACE
The quality of the works undertaken by BRAC for the new Woolwich Ferry Operations office has been most impressive, as has been the efforts by all the construction team to ensure an on schedule and on budget completion.
Mark Willbourn – Briggs Marine Contractors Ltd
BRAC Contracts Ltd
Unit 44
Berwick Court Farm
Alfriston Road
Berwick, Polegate
BN26 5QS
T: 01323 870146
