Author: Thinking Buildings

We have been working with Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust and Oxfordshire County Council to remodel and existing Junior School (ages 7-11) to become a full Primary School (ages 3-11). To do this, the scheme proposes to refurbish one existing wing to provide and early years unit, with dedicated play space; and a new modular classroom block to expand the teaching space allowing the school more flexibility. An existing area of neglected grassland is also being enhanced to a nature garden, helping the scheme meet it’s biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements.

The scheme was submitted for planning determination shortly before Christmas, and all being well, we hope to be progressing this exciting and impactful project towards site later this year.

We’ve recently been granted listed building consent to works on a listed building operated as a care home. The works were mainly maintenance items, but also included converting a hayloft into a new office.

Listed building consent is not the same as planning approval. It is a separate consent reserved for listed buildings. It also applies to works inside the building.

Here’s what you should know:

A listed building is a structure that has been officially recognised as being of special architectural, historical, or cultural significance. These buildings are protected by law to ensure that their character and heritage are preserved for future generations. In the UK, the listing process is overseen by Historic England, Cadw (in Wales), Historic Environment Scotland, or the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland.)

Listed buildings fall into three categories (in England and Wales):

• Grade I: Buildings of exceptional interest (only 2.5% of listed buildings).
• Grade II*: Particularly important buildings of more than special interest (about 5.5%).
• Grade II: Buildings of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them (about 92%).

What is Listed Building Consent?
Listed Building Consent is a formal approval required for any works that might affect the special architectural or historic interest of a listed building. This includes:

• Alterations, extensions, or demolitions (internally or externally) that could impact its character.
• Works to fixtures or features of historic significance.
• Changes to associated structures (e.g., walls, outbuildings, or curtilage structures considered part of the listing).

It is granted by the local planning authority, often with input from heritage bodies like Historic England, and is separate from regular planning permission. Listed Building Consent focuses specifically on the heritage aspect of the building, ensuring its historic character is maintained.

How is it Different from Planning Consent?
Planning Consent (or planning permission) is required for new developments, significant changes of use, or substantial alterations to a building or land. It is concerned with:

• Land use and development.
• Design, scale, and impact on the surrounding area.
• Environmental considerations (e.g., flood risks, traffic).

The key differences are:

Focus:

1. Listed Building Consent ensures heritage protection and deals with preserving the character of the listed building.
2. Planning Consent addresses broader development and planning policies, considering how a proposal impacts the environment, community, and landscape.

Scope:

1. Listed Building Consent may apply even to minor changes, such as replacing windows or internal alterations, if they affect the building’s character.
2. Planning Consent is needed for changes that affect the external appearance, land use, or volume of the building, regardless of whether it’s listed.

Both May Be Required. For example, if you’re adding an extension to a listed building, you might need both planning permission (to approve the extension itself) and listed building consent (to ensure it doesn’t harm the heritage value).

Failure to obtain listed building consent for works that require it is a criminal offence, and owners can face prosecution, fines, or be required to undo the changes. Make sure you obtain the right information before proceeding with any works. We can help with every step of the process.

We’re delighted to confirm full planning approval has now been granted for a much needed timber teaching shelter at a Derbyshire primary school. Middleton Community Primary School is set in the wonderful Derbyshire Dales on the edge of the Peak District.

These timber structures are all season, being great in the summer for providing shade from the sun (if we get any!), but also shelter from the Derbyshire rain.

Ordinarily, they can be installed without planning permission, but in this case, the school site is within a Conservation Area so a full planning application was required.

Always ask if you need planning permission before setting out with any building project.

Admittedly, it’s not a glamorous image, but work continues apace at John Port Spencer School in Etwall, Derby and this reinforcement is vital.

Bailey Construction are almost out of the ground, with work focusing on retaining walls and foundations in the past month.

Thinking Building are supporting the project, but the picture shows the new retaining wall designed to provide support to the existing science building which is being extended. Some may say there is enough reinforcement to sink a battleship, but the wall plays a crucial function in preventing the existing building from moving whilst we dig down over 2m to the side of the existing building.

We are looking forward to bringing you updates on this project as the new science block takes shape.