Hear from our experts on conserving the integrity and history of listed buildings

A guide on the importance of looking after listed buildings has been issued by top property managers Principle Estate Management.

Richard Coles, a senior buildings surveyor at Principle, explained that the conservation of listed buildings was a crucial requirement to preserve the integrity and history of such properties.

Mr Coles said: “Listed building restoration not only preserves high-value buildings for future generations, but it also preserves our past.

“But a lack of maintenance can alter the significance and character of the building and can therefore have a detrimental impact on the future value of the property.

“With all listed building works, it is imperative that they are completed in a sustainable manner with long-term consideration given to how restorations will make future maintenance easier to upkeep.

“It is also important to know the difference between what is restoration and what is conservation.

“Restoration is when the works undertaken are restoring a building back to its original appearance, whereas conversation focuses on preservation of the original features of the property.

“Here at Principle, we would always strive to conserve a building’s heritage and then restore it when that is no longer feasible.”

Mr Coles said that Principle would also always ensure that proper long-term maintenance plans (LTMPs) are in place on any listed properties the company is instructed to look after.

He added: “Having detailed LTMPs in place on the properties we manage allows us to conserve the heritage of the building to the highest standard.”