The IHBC has warmly welcomed the publication of a second edition of the revised ‘Stopping the Rot’ guidance on how to tackle at risk buildings, prepared and co-authored by IHBC Projects Officer Fiona Newton.
Fiona said: ‘We welcome the retention and refreshment by Historic England of the Stopping the Rot guidance produced with the IHBC.’
‘The guidance contains step-by-step advice on using the legislation to tackle buildings at risk, not only Urgent Works Notices & Repairs Notices but other options for action such as Section 215 Notices and the Housing Act. But it also contains case studies, specimen letters, notices, schedules and agreements which were additions frequently requested during our original consultation with conservation officers.’
Historic England writes:
Keeping historic buildings in good repair and, where possible, in use, is the key to their preservation. Owners of listed buildings are under no statutory obligation to maintain their property in a good state of repair, although it is in their interests to do so. Local authorities can, however, take action to secure repair when it becomes evident that a building is being allowed to deteriorate.
Urgent Works Notices, Repairs Notices and Section 215 Notices can be very effective tools to help secure the preservation of historic buildings.
This guidance, is designed to help local authorities make effective use of these powers. It provides step-by-step advice on the use of the main procedures and includes case studies and a selection of specimen letters, notices, schedules and agreements.
Samples are available to download for local authorities wishing to edit them for their own use.
For a free download and to explore related resources see the Historic England website
