Listed Building Casework and Volunteers

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Casework

Industrial Training Day, Crowd The CBA receives c4000 listed building consent applications a year for England and Wales. These applications range from proposals for minor changes to houses, to the conversion or demolition of substantial industrial complexes. Buildings are often judged on aesthetics whereas we push for recognition of the information held within a building. In a building’s materials, form, fabric, features and plan, is evidence for its original (and subsequent) function, the date at which it was built or added to, the lives of the people who lived or worked there and the technology of the times. We believe that all phases of a building’s history are potentially of interest.

It is only by understanding what makes up the significance of a building that we can draw up informed proposals for the structure. Sometimes this requires a survey and analysis of the building. Sometimes it is sufficient for a record to be done as a condition of consent, for features that will be lost or for new evidence that might be uncovered whilst work is underway. The CBA promotes understanding and enjoyment of historic buildings and conservation-led regeneration. Where applications go to public inquiry or appeal, the CBA may be asked to appear to present evidence.

Volunteers

Site visit to Sleaford Mill Much of the CBA’s listed building casework is carried out by voluntary historic buildings correspondents who can make site visits and assess the impact of proposals on the character and significance of the historic building and site. Contentious and large schemes or cases that require particular specialist expertise go to the CBA’s Casework panel – a team of experts that meet quarterly to advise on specific proposals and issues of principle.

CBA Casework needs your help

We are looking for new volunteers to cover parts of the country where the CBA currently has no correspondent to advise on listed building cases. The ideal person has a good knowledge of their area’s built heritage and history and can read plans and drawings.

For an informal discussion, please contact the CBA’s Conservation and Community Officer via Casework.