Safeguarding Homely Character In Our Villages

CHRISTOPHER ANSTEY highlights concerns over the energy ratings of older homes and listed properties, particularly in rural areas.

- Christopher Anstey

WE have an immensely diverse range of housing stock in this country. In our villages, 40% of all homes were built before 1919, with many dating back centuries. The fact they are still here and still valued reflects their traditional construction from stone and solid brick. They are often highly sought after properties and an important part of our cultural heritage.

However, thousands of these period properties spread across our countryside are being failed by flawed Government policy which inaccurately assesses their energy performance and encourages damaging improvements in the name of energy efficiency. Without urgent reform, thousands of homeowners will continue to be sign posted towards retrofit measures that are either inappropriate or outright harmful to the structure and character of the building.