Questions and Answers
What is a listed building?
These are buildings given extra protection in recognition of their importance to Britain’s heritage. There are three grades of listing:
- Grade I for the finest buildings of most importance.
- Grade II* for buildings of exceptional quality or containing special features.
- Grade II for buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort to preserve them and retain their character and features.
The listing covers the whole of the building – inside and out, including outbuildings and boundary walls – and owners need permission to make any alterations.
If you are not sure if your building is listed, or what level of listing applies, get in touch for advice on 01629 816200 or email customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
More information about listed buildings
What is the Buildings at Risk register?
This is a list of buildings and structures in the Peak District National Park in such a poor state that their future is threatened. They range from houses to bridges, historic features such as mileposts and even phone boxes.
They include Grade I, II* and II listed buildings and the level of risk is assessed using standard criteria laid down by English Heritage, the national body with overall responsibility for listed buildings.
English Heritage Buildings at Risk register
For more information about buildings at risk in the Peak District National Park contact us on 01629 816200 or email customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
What is a Conservation Area?
These are areas designated for their special character, architecture, history or landscape. Buildings within conservation areas may be eligible for enhancement or restoration grants. We encourage property owners to ensure doors and windows stay in keeping with the past. There are 109 Conservation Areas in the Peak District National Park.
Can I get grant aid to repair, maintain or restore a historic building?
The Peak District National Park Authority may be able to help with a grant. See Grants for repair and restoration
Other sources of funding may also be available.
How much financial support is available?
Grade I or II* listed buildings: these may be eligible for an English Heritage grant (the usual rate is 40%), and will only be eligible for a National Park Authority grant in exceptional circumstances. See Grants for repair and restoration
Grade II listed buildings: we can offer grants of between £100 & £3,000.
Buildings at Risk: we can offer grants of up to £6,000 for listed buildings on the Buildings at Risk register. In exceptional circumstances we can offer up to £12,000 for non-economic buildings of exceptional historic or architectural importance on the register.
Unlisted buildings in Conservation Areas: we will only consider grants for unlisted buildings of special historic or architectural importance, and can offer grants of between £100 and £2,000.
More information about financial support
Can grants be used to pay for professional fees, such as architects and structural engineers?
Grants for the relevant parts of professional fees are calculated at the same percentage as the grant for the work. Fees are eligible only up to a maximum of 12.5% of the cost of relevant work. Get in touch with us for advice on 01629 816200 or email customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
I am carrying out the works myself rather than using professional trades people. Can I still apply for a grant?
Yes, our grants may be used towards the cost of materials.
How long does the grant application process take?
We process most grant applications within three weeks.
How can I get advice about the range of different grants available?
Get in touch with us on 01629 816200 or email customer.service@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Is funding available from other sources?
A number of other sources of funding are available for Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings and for the repair and reinstatement of traditional farm buildings, as well as Discretionary Renovation Grants available from the environmental health section of your local council.