historic buildings and conservation areas · conservation and use of renewable energy. below you...

Historic Buildings andConservation Areas

Use of RenewableEnergy Systems

www.haringey.gov.uk

This booklet is prepared for those residentsliving in a conservation area or a listedbuilding who are considering installingrenewable energy measures to their homes.

Climate change is a key environmentalchallenge today. Energy used in our homescontributes almost half of all carbon emissionsin Haringey. The council encourages allresidents to take steps to use energy wiselyand to consider the use of renewable energytechnologies in their homes.

Living in a conservation area or a listedbuilding means that you need to payattention to the special character of yourproperty when considering energyconservation and use of renewable energy.

Below you will find information onappropriate ways to install renewable energysystems without impacting upon the specialcharacter of your property.

Council’s RoleHaringey Council is committed to significantlyreducing the Borough’s carbon emissions andto increasing its usage of renewable energy.Unlike fossil fuels (gas, oil and coal) energyfrom renewable sources – such as the sun –does not produce carbon emissions whenused to generate power.

The council is also committed to conserving theborough’s historic environment, preserving andenhancing the character and appearance of itsconservation areas and the special historic andarchitectural interest of its listed buildings. Whenthe historic environment is well cared for itimproves the built environment and enhancescommunity life by giving a sense of place, andpromoting civic pride.

Conservation Areas and Listed BuildingsConservation areas are areas of specialhistorical or architectural interest which have acharacter or townscape that it is desirable topreserve or enhance. In conservation areas,the view of a building from the public realm isconsidered the primary concern, to ensure thatthe streetscene is preserved as well as thequality of the architecture.

Buildings which are included on the nationalregister of Buildings of Special Architectural orHistoric Interest are protected by law. As sucha listed building may not be extended oraltered, internally or externally, in any waywhich may affect its special character, withoutListed Building Consent being approved by thelocal planning authority.

For information on conservation areas andlisted buildings in Haringey please contactthe Design and Conservation Team ontelephone 020 8489 1479.

Introduction

2 Use of Renewable Energy Systems – Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas

Photovoltaic tiles are less visually intrusive than solar hot water panels on historic buildings.

When renewing roof covering solar tiles should be considered, as they are less visually intrusive than solar panels.

An alternative may be to position the solar panel in the garden, away from the building.

• Draught-proof doors and windows.

• Fix doors and windows to shut properly.

• Change to energy-efficient lamps.

• Install secondary glazing.

• Install a condensing boiler

• Upgrade heating controls.

• Install flue dampers on open chimneys.

• Upgrade loft insulation to 300mm thickness.

• Draught-proof and insulate suspended timber ground floors.

Before deciding to install a renewable energysystem, investigate whether the energyefficiency of your property can be improvedby simple measures such as:

Installing additional loft insulation

Installing additional insulationunderneath floorboards

Installing secondary glazing to existingsingle glazed windows

Draught proofing windows and doors

Installing flue dampers in open chimneyflues

Upgrading roof-lights

Upgrading your boiler, heating controlsand hot water cylinder

The following can also make big reductionsto your energy use and fuel bills:

Using energy efficient light bulbs

Turning off all appliances that are not inuse and not leaving them on standbysettings

Checking that your central heating is notprogrammed to heat the house while youare not there

Using heavy curtains over single glazedwindows, and ensuring all curtains areclosed at night

Switching to ‘green’ utilities suppliers

Fitting individual heating controls to eachradiator and only heat the rooms you use

Additional information on how to increase thesustainability of your home is available incouncil’s ‘Greening Your Home’ guide,available via our website atwww.haringey.gov.uk/greening

To find out how your property performed inthe Home Heat Loss surveys conducted in2000 and 2007, view our interactive maps at:http://www.haringey.gov.uk/index/housingandplanning/housing/housingadvice/homeheatloss.htm

Use energy wisely

Options to increaseenergy efficiencyand reduce thecarbon emissions ofyour home.Before consideringwhether to install arenewable energy system, take theseeffective and costefficient measures.

Use of Renewable Energy Systems – Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas 3

When renewing roof covering solar tiles should be considered, as they are less visually intrusive than solar panels.

An alternative may be to position the solar panel in the garden, away from the building.

Renewable Energy Options

Solar Energy SystemsThere are two main types of solar energy system:

Solar systems for heating water; and

Photovoltaic cells that convert light energyinto electricity.

Solar Hot Water SystemsSolar hot water systems work by using thesun’s energy to preheat water entering aconventional hot water system. To maximisesolar exposure, solar panels should ideally beinstalled on south-facing roofs, or be able tobe angled to face due south.

When visible from the front of a property, solarpanels are generally considered to have anegative impact upon the character of historicbuildings and conservation areas. Thereforeyou need to consider whether there is anappropriate south-facing roof space where thesolar system will not be visible from the publicrealm, as shown in the diagrams throughoutthis booklet.

Photovoltaic CellsPhotovoltaic (PV) cells use the sun’s energy togenerate electricity, and require only daylight,not sunshine, to work. This means that thepositioning of PV cells is more flexible than forsolar hot water panels, which usually require asouth-facing location to absorb adequate heat.Whilst PV cells will generate more electricity ifpositioned facing the sun, they may still be aworthwhile investment for non south-facingroofs. We recommend you discuss thepositioning of PV cells with the manufacturerto ensure appropriate installation thatmaximizes your investment.

There are now photovoltaic ‘tiles’ on themarket which are less visually intrusive thanolder-style photovoltaic systems and solar hotwater panels. They can be designed to blendin with existing roof tiles, and may thereforeprovide an ideal solution to home ownerswishing to install renewable energy systems inhistoric homes and conservation areas.

Wind TurbinesTo work efficiently, wind turbines require asmooth, steady air flow. This means that theperformance of a turbine is dramaticallyaffected by the local terrain. Any trees orbuildings in the path of the wind will drasticallyreduce the available energy, and createturbulent conditions which increase wear andtear on the turbine. For these reasons windenergy potential can be low in most urbanareas. If you do wish to install a wind turbineyou will need to ensure that it does notinterfere with the appearance, fabric orstructure of your historic home.


Photovoltaic tilesare less visuallyintrusive than solar hotwater or photovoltaicpanels on historicbuildings.

Installing RenewableEnergy Systems –What to Think About

In most cases, the installation of renewableenergy systems to reduce carbon emissionsrequires the fixing of equipment to the historicfabric of the building. In order to avoid harmbeing caused to a historic building orconservation area, a number of matters needto be considered.

Key questions to consider about theproposed installation

Has it been designed specifically andsensitively to the building?

Will it harm the historic integrity and/or fabricof the building?

Will it cause demonstrable harm to thecharacter or appearance of the building orconservation area?

Will it be visible from the public realm?

Is the building structurally capable ofwithstanding the imposed and dynamicloads?

Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent

Owners of listed buildings and properties inconservation areas please be aware that:

Planning permission WILL be required forany renewable energy device mounted onthe roof of a building within aconservation area.

The installation of renewable energydevices to listed buildings WILL requirelisted building consent.

Positioning the SystemThe most important thing to think about is whereyou position the renewable energy system.

It is important to make sure that the systemworks effectively. It is also vital to consider itsvisual effect on the external appearance of thebuilding.

When deciding on the position of the system,you should take into account its effect onneighbours, the public and the environment. Anyalteration to the roof that can be seen from anynormal vantage point on the ground will affectthe external appearance of a building. Considerwhether it is possible to install ground mountedequipment. For solar systems think about makinguse of roof slopes that face away from roads andpaths at the front of your property, or use parts ofroofs that are hidden by parapet walls.

Using the example of solar hot water panels,the following pages contain diagrams to assistyou in correctly positioning your system.


Plan views North facing houses

South facing houses

East facing houses West facing houses

Solar hot water panels shown on due south facing roof slopes.

Note: solar hot water panels should be kept below roof line.

Solar collectors work well on any inclined surface facing south of east or west with the optimum output when due south.

Solar hot water panels not appropriate on these roof slopes

Solar hot water panels may be installed on slopes facing south of east or west

ROAD

N

ROAD

N

ROA

D

N

ROA

D

N

North east facing houses

South west facing houses

North west facing houses

South east facing houses

ROAD

N

ROAD

N

ROADN

ROAD

N

In conservation areas and on listed buildings panels must not be visible from roads.

NOSolar hot water panels are visible from roads.

OKS

visible from roads.

OKvisible from roads.

Positioning solar hot water panels on historic buildings – what to think about


Positioning solar hot water panels on historic buildings. For houses at the end of terraces panels must not be visible from roads.


OKSolar hot water panels are not visible from roads.

DAORDAOR

Plan view

RO

AD

ROAD

N


OKSolar hot water panels are not visible from roads.

DAORDAOR

Plan view

Solar hot water panels shown on appropriate roof slopes, subject to orientation.

Note: solar hot waterpanels should not be visible from roads.

Solar hot water panels not appropriate on these roof slopes.

RO

AD

ROAD

N

Solar hot water panels shown on appropriate roof slopes, subject to orientation. Note: solar hot water panels should not be visible from roads.

Solar hot water panels notappropriate on these roof slopes.

Positioning solar hot water panels on historic buildings – End of terraces


For houses at the end of terraces, panels must not be visible from roads.

ROAD

Angle panels to face due south for optimum performance.

Solar hot water panels.

Plan

Solar hot water panel must not protrude above main roof line.

• Flat roof positioning offers more flexibility as it is less dependent on the orientation of the building.

• A flat roof offers the opportunity to frame-mount the solar hot water panel and angle it to suit the local conditions.

• Position panels at 45˚ and facing due south for optimum performance.

Positioning solar hot water panels on historic buildings – Flat roofs

Solar hot water panels must not protrude above main roof line.

Solar panels function best when placed in direct sunlight, away from obstructions that might cause shade e.g. tall trees and neighbouring buildings.

OKSolar panels are not in shade.

NO

NO

Solar panels are shaded by trees.

Solar panels are shaded by building.

Structural ImplicationsYou also need to consider the structuralimplications of the proposed installation on thebuilding. Are the wall or roof timbers strongenough to withstand the weight of therenewable energy system? What are theadditional loadings being imparted on thebuilding? Is there a requirement for anystructural modifications?

Your SurroundingsFor renewable energy systems to workefficiently, you also need to take account ofyour surroundings. For solar technologies youshould consider whether there are anystructures that cast a shadow on the locationyou intend to install the renewable energysystem.


Impact of surroundings on efficiency of solar panels.

In Summary

Principles for Renewable EnergyInstallations to Listed Buildings

The installation of renewable energy deviceswill require listed building consent.

Any application for renewable energy on alisted building should ensure that:

Any technology will not cause harm tothe appearance of the building;

There is minimal intervention with thefabric of the building; and

All works are reversible.

For further advice and guidance, pleasecontact the Design and Conservation Team on telephone 020 8489 1479.

Principles for Renewable EnergyInstallations to Buildings inConservation Areas

Planning permission will be required for anydevice mounted on the roof of a buildingwithin a conservation area.

Any application for renewable energy withina conservation area should ensure that:

The installation does not project abovethe main roof line; and

Does not impact upon the appearance ofthe property when viewed from the publicrealm.

Futher Information


www.bre.co.uk The Building ResearchEstablishment. Advice on integrating renewableenergy into buildings. Tel: 01923 664000

www.cat.org.uk The Centre for AlternativeTechnology. Books, leaflets and fact sheetson all aspects of solar energy. Tel: 01654 705950

www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.ukEnglish Heritage portal. Information onenergy saving, climate change and thehistoric environment.

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk EnergySaving Trust. Free impartial advice onreducing your home’s carbon emissions.

www.helm.org.uk/server/show/nav.9255HELM and English Heritage project onrenewable energy, climate change and thehistoric environment.

www.londonclimatechange.co.uk TheGreen Homes Advice Service. Informationand advice for Londoners on how to reduceyour carbon footprint, available grants, andlinks to the Green Concierge Service.

www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.ukLow Carbon Buildings Programme.Information on microgeneration of renewableenergy, and the Phase 1 householder grantsscheme. Tel: 0800 915 0990

www.nationalinsulationassociation.org.ukThe National Insulation Association. Forinformation on insulation and installers. Tel: 01525 383313

www.solarforlondon.org.uk Solar for London.A London based initiative aimed at bringingsolar hot water systems to London homes.Tel: 020 7089 6989

FrequentlyAskedQuestions


Do I need Building Regulations approval?

Before installing any renewable energysystems to a house, check with council’sBuilding Control Service to see if the worksrequire approval under the BuildingRegulations. Building Control can becontacted via email [email protected] or bytelephoning 020 8489 5504.

What information do I need to provide to council?

Submit detailed drawings and photographs to show the nature of the building andwhat you intend to do. To help theplanning officer visualize the impact on theexternal appearance of the building, youcould draw the position of the installationon a photograph.

Is there funding available?

The government’s Low Carbon BuildingsProgramme offers grants of up to 50% ofthe cost of installing a range of renewableenergy systems such as solar hot waterpanels and photovoltaics. Furtherinformation can be found at www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk or bycalling 0800 915 0990.

What is meant by ‘the public realm’?

The public realm means outdoor areas thathave unrestricted public access. Whenconsidering impacts of renewable energyinstallations on the appearance ofconservation areas and listed buildings,references to the public realm areconcerned with the front aspects of ahouse which face a public road or path.

What else can I do to make my homegreener and more energy efficient?

Haringey Council has published a‘Greening Your Home’ guide whichincludes information on a range of energysaving measures. Copies of the guide areavailable via the council website atwww.haringey.gov.uk/greening.

Cutting demand for energy is asimportant as finding alternativemeans of generation. Before decidingwhether to install a renewable energysystem, make all possible energy-saving measures to your home.


Diagrams by:

Oxley Conservation: Historic Buildings

Consultancy

Please tell us if you would like a copy of this Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas brochurein another language that is not listed above or in any of the following formats,and send theform to the Freepost address below.

In large print On audio tape In Braille

In another language,please state:

Name: Tel:

Address:

Email:Please return to: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas FREEPOST RLYE-ELRG-ASSB,

6TH Floor,River Park House, 225 High Road, London N22 8HQ

Shqip

Haringey Council offers this translating and interpreting service to Haringey residents.We can translate this document into one language perresident ONLY.

Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas brochure

Published by Haringey Council’s Communications Unit No 20042 09/08

"

Albanian

Kjo broshurë është përgatitur për ata rezidentëqë jetojnë në zonë të konservuar apo në ndërtesë të listuar (mbrojtur) e që janë duke konsideruar instalimin e masave të energjisë sëripërtëritshme në shtëpinë e tyre. Për një kopje në gjuhën tuaj, ju lutem shënjoni 9 kutinë,plotësoni formularin dhe dërgojeni tek adresa e mëposhtme me postim falas.

Polski

Polish

Niniejszy informator przeznaczony jest dla osób zamieszka ych w rejonach lub budynkach obj tych ochron konserwatorsk , którerozwa aj zainstalowanie w domach urz dzewykorzystuj cych energi ze ródeodnawialnych. Kopi informatora w j zykupolskim mo na otrzyma , zaznaczaj c t opcjponi ej, wype niaj c druk i przesy aj c go na podany bezp atny adres.

Kurdî Kurmancî

Kurdish

Ev belavok ji bo wan ni tecîhên ku li herêmeke parastinê yan avahîyeke lîstkirî rûdinin û ku li ser raman dikin ku li malên xwe tedbîrên enerjîyê yên nuh bistînin hatiye amadekirin. Heke hun kopîyeke bi zimanê xwe dixwazin, ji kerema xwe qutîkê i aret bikin, formê tije bikin û ji navnî ana posta bêpere ya jêrîn re bi înin.

Türkçe

Turkish

Bu bro ür, koruma alanı kabul edilen bir bölgede ya da tarihi bina kabul edilmi bir binada ya ayıp konutlarına yenilenebilir enerji kurmayı dü ünen sakinler için hazırlanmı tır.Bro ürün Türkçe kopyasını edinmek için lütfenkutucu u i aretleyin, formu doldurun ve a a ıdaki ücretsiz posta adresine gönderin.

French

Ce livret est prévu pour les résidents qui habitent une zone protégée ou un immeuble répertorié qui souhaitent installer des mesures d’énergie renouvelables dans leur logement. Pour en obtenir un exemplaire dans votre langue, veuillez cocher la case, compléter leformulaire et le renvoyer à l’adresse en port payé ci-dessous.

Soomaali

Somali

Buugyarahan waxa loo diyaariyay dadkadeggan mandaqadda la ilaaliyay (conservation area) ama dhisme la diiwaangeliyay (listed building) ee raba inay gurigooda ku xidhaan tamarta la cusboonaysiiyo. Si aad u hesho koobbi luqaddaada ku qoran, fadlan calaamadi sanduuqa, buuxi foomka oo ku soo jawaab cinwaanka boostiisu lacag la'aanta tahay ee hoose.

Français

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