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Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:22 am
by PeterDavies
Does anyone know whether Grade 2 listing means that special approval is needed to replace a gravel drive with a block paved surface?
The property in question is a white-painted, thatched stone cottage in Northamptonshire.
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 12:21 pm
by Ted
I would check the restrictions that apply to your property rather than plough ahead on the advice of a BB poster!
My property isn't even listed and the planners are all pernickerty about the lime mortar used to point the brickwork and the types of roof tile used.
But listings are specified by English Heritage rather than the local planning office.
Did you not get an explanation of the restrictions when yopu purchased the building?
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 12:51 pm
by PeterDavies
Thanks Ted.
Nothing has been said about controls over the drive surface. Clearly the building structure itself, wall treatments, thatch, windows etc need permission before any changes.
And I'm a bit leary of asking if I don't have to, in case it sparks a negative reaction! I don't know where to look for the "rules" on what Grade 2 listing covers and what it doesn't.
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:08 pm
by Ted
I would have thought driveways are separate to the house and as long as they are in keeping, the surface can be changed. But this is my guess.
So switching gravel for cobblestones might be OK, but PIC or red bitmac may not be OK.
I would say it is best to contact English Heritage. You can approach them on a no-names basis first without divulging your address and get them to point you in the right direction for guidance. If things still aren't clear then I would consider getting some professional advice before installing a new drive.
The last thing you want is to put a new drive in and then have some neighbour from hell call English Heritage and complain that it is not in keeping with the building and then have English Heritage examining your house...
If English Heritage come and see you they may find other problems that you are unaware of and make you rectify them too!
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:05 pm
by lutonlagerlout
ted said:My property
what,you mean your house ted?
sorry mate, little pet hate of mine people calling houses property,must be my inherent dislike of estate agents (thieves in sports cars)
i have done work on listed buildings and before you change a light bulb you need to ring them
i would hazard a guess that shingle is a traditional drive finish (it is here in beds)and they wont let you change it unless you use some fancy dan local stone block paving that will cost a gazillion quid a metre
100% better to ask first,if you plough on with things they get the right hump
cheers LLL 
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 9:46 pm
by Ted
No - I mean a condemned barn!
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:02 pm
by lutonlagerlout
lol-sorry mate i forgot
LLL
Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:02 pm
by IanMelb
But listings are specified by English Heritage rather than the local planning office
That may be so, but up here in the East Riding we still get 'Listed Building consent' come through on local Council planning applications that we have to consider.
Posted: Thu Aug 02, 2007 1:25 am
by matt h
it is unlikeley that any change to existing will be approved without prior consent. do not proceed without consultation, or you will undoubtedly be forced to replace any work carried out without planning consent. dont pay for the job twice or even three fold. approach them with your intended plans, and they will gladly advise free of charge. any works carried out with out permission could be subject to reinstatement charges.... play the game and all will turn out well
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 9:18 pm
by Tony McC
In my experience, Grade II listing is a little ambiguous and we've had projects where the planners had no concerns about the use of block paving (tumbled type) and we've had projects where the planning autority went into apoplexy at the very mention of a block pavement.
In one slightly famous case, the planners insisted that the cobbles (rounded river stones) would have to be relaid using traditional methods anmd materials. it was only when it was pointed out that the traditional bedding for these cobbles was a mixture of clay, manure and lime that they decided a more up-to-date approach mighht be considered.
Follow Matt's excellent advice and check with the planners before you do anything at all.
Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 11:07 pm
by PeterDavies
Thanks for everyone's advice which all boiled down to"check first". So with some trepidation we followed your advice, its just been done and the conservation officer said there is no restriction on the drive surface. Phew!
Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 3:47 am
by Suggers
Nice to hear a good result - English Heritage told my sister they had to preserve this timber floor in an old chapel they were converting to live in - it was rotten as a pear - stripped it out, and laid reclaimed oak floorboards - geezer comes back, and they're complimented on what a marvellous job they'd done on restorating those floorboards - with a wink, wink, nudge, nudge. He then signed them off, quietly saying do what you like from now on, you obviously care about the building - I think it's all down to chance, whether you get a human being or a w****r - same applys to BC. All the best.
Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 10:55 am
by matt h
just proves my point.. play the game.. some you win some you lose, but either way you only do the job once :;):