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Information on Listed Buildings
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I live in a Grade2 listed property which we are, hopefully about to sell. Unfortunately after an exhaustive 6 hour survey, many problems were found, some of which we expected but others which relate to work done on the property by previous owners. We have carried out no alterations/improvements while we have owned the property apart from decor. I am now concerned that we, or the new owners will be liable for the costs involved of any alteratons needed to put the property back to it's original, approved listed state. Can anyone help with info about this? Thank you
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Sorry to hear about your difficulties. Start by looking here and talking to these people.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1373
English Heritage manages the listing process. Depending on the age of your property people like the Victorian Society may be able to help. I fear that it is will you that has to fund the cost of this as no buyer will purchase without knowing the Listing status is not currently compromised. The only way of passing costs back might be through any liability in respect of any surveys you had when you bought (if within the last 6 years).
I also live in a grade II listed building, when we bought it we inspected it with the local historic buildings officer from the coucil who moaned about the horrible lean-to conservatory (read glass shed) that had been stuck on but nothing was said about pulling it down
There seems to be big variations in policy about the UK depending on your council and possibly depending on the historic buildings officer who's there at the time.
If you've not already done it I'd call up the council and talk to the historic buildings officer about your position.
A lot depends on exactly what alterations you're talking about. You may be able to get retrospective planning permission and how sympathetic they are. For example if the wrong type of thatch has been used that's one thing but if you've got uPVC double glazing you'll get a rough ride.
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