 wning
an 'interesting' property makes a statement about
you!
If you are lucky enough to live in a 'dreamy location' which
compliments your lifestyle you will surely be in seventh
heaven. Or perhaps a certain style or age of house is
more important conjuring up a classical age or
tradition. A property with character is a blessing
like a book with a great title waiting to be
written. It's the starting point for the rest of
your life ~ a place to express yourself! Here we
take a look at some different homes and what may be helpful to
know about before you own them.
Listed
Buildings
The
Department of National Heritage is obliged to maintain 'lists'
of buildings of 'special architectural or historical interest'
and in so doing the Department acts on advice from English
Heritage.
 There
are currently some 500,000 individual buildings listed in
England alone, of which 95% are listed grade II. There are
9,000 grade I buildings and 18,000 grade II* buildings. The
grading reflects the relative importance of the buildings, but
has no legal significance. In addition to this, local
authorities maintain a non-statutory list of buildings of
local interest, sometimes referred to as Grade III, but they
are not 'listed buildings' as such. Within this listing are
other structures such as important street furniture e.g.
milestone and pumps.
Advantages
and Disadvantages of Ownership
An
important point to be remembered is that when a building is
'listed' it is listed in its entirety even though some parts
of it are likely to be more important than others. This should
be taken into account by the authorities when any application
for alteration is made. Some buildings are listed just because
their façades are important and not their interiors, but even
to change the colour of a coat of paint on an interior door
may not allowed without permission! One has to
balance therefore the advantages of owning a listed building
as opposed to the disadvantages. The advantages lies mainly in
the 'cachet' and pride of ownership, as set against the
disadvantages of the bureaucracy, the prejudices imposed and
the lack of freedom to make alterations.
Grants
for the works on listed buildings
may be obtained from English Heritage and County Councils,
but application should be made prior to any works being
commenced. VAT will apply at zero rate against 'approved
alterations' work, but is not applicable against work of a
general maintenance or repair nature.
For
advice and guidance on all aspects of the survival of
buildings which are old and interesting, you may find it
useful to contact: The Society for the Protection of Ancient
Buildings (SPAB),
37 Spital Square, London
E1 6DY. Telephone:
020 7377 1644.
Photo:
House overlooking Cranleigh cricket green
Cottage in Shere
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subject's linked pages - so click, read on and enjoy!
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