Listed Building Consent granted within Epping Forest District Council; A case of Perseverance and Negotiation

Summary: Our Heritage Consultants prepared documents for a full listed building consent application, including Heritage Statement and Design & Access Statement, for structural repair works to the foundations and sole plate of the Grade II listed building.

Proposal: The Listed Building in question has been previously altered involving inappropriate methods and materials. The proposal seeks to rectify this, with the proposed work enhancing the structure and protecting the building from future moisture penetration. It will also give the building additional flexibility which it would have originally had.

Our Service:

As part of our scope of works, we;

• Assessed the impact of the proposal on the Grade II Listed Building, as well as its setting and character and any adjacent heritage assets
• Provided a brief history of Threshers Bush (the hamlet)
• Provided a brief history of the site
• Provided an assessment of Heritage Assets, their setting and significance
• Provided an assessment of impact of the proposed development on significance and setting
• Application forms
• Liaison with both client and structural engineer
• Liaison with the council
• Submission of listed building application, monitoring as required

The first application was met with a disagreement in approach with the conservation officer about the necessity for the works proposed. They were not willing to meet onsite or work with us to address any concerns. They felt the methodology proposed were not traditional enough. The application was refused.

In order to address the council’s concerns, we submitted second application with additional information. The conservation officer was still concerned, but we convinced them to visit the site to witness the existing conditions. We sought to demonstrate that the proposal is required and our methodology and approach were sound. Unfortunately, this was insufficient to mitigate their concerns.

In an attempt to satisfy the council, an additional structural engineer was engaged to gain a second opinion on the drawings and approach. We sought an extension of time, which was granted, and submitted further amendments to satisfy the council. It took longer than expected, but the client was finally granted listed building consent.

Outcome: Listed Building Consent was granted allowing for the structural integrity of the building to be improved.