Listed Building Owners’ Forum 18 November 2008.

Grant-aid for Listed Buildings

Brian McKervey

Principal Conservation Architect : Historic Buildings Unit (South)

Assistant Director : NIEA

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Windows of Opportunity

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• 20 May 2008

• Heritage and Regeneration

Grant-Aid

• SUMMARY OF THE NEW GRANT-AID SCHEME LAUNCHED

20 MAY 2008

• The revised grant-aid scheme addressed the following key

areas/issues -

• extension of grant-aid eligibility to the majority of listed

buildings in Northern Ireland (less than 50% were grant-aid

eligible);

• An increase in the amount (i.e. percentage) of grant-aid

available – not least in recognition that new build projects are

zero rated for VAT.

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Grant-Aid

• simplification of the grant-aid ‘regime’ (by using fewer

different percentages of grant aid);

• targeting of grant-aid on preventative maintenance

works in future years, following assessment of the

preventative maintenance pilot scheme designed to help

inform this strategy.

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• Why we offer grant-aid assistance to listed buildings.

• NIEA - aim is to protect and promote our built heritage for the appreciation of present and future generations.

• The NIEA grant-aid scheme has been designed to help owners meet the recognised additional costs required to repair listed buildings, and keep their special character intact.

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Grant-Aid

– B2 Grade secular listed buildings are now eligible– Grant-aid is now available at 35%

.

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Grant-Aid

– B1 Grade listed secular buildings - Grant-aid has increased from 20% -to 35%

.

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Grant-Aid

– B+ and A Grade churches – Grant-aid has increased from 33 1/3 % to 35%

.

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Grant-Aid

– Support for Grade A listed buildings retained at 35%

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Grant-Aid – ChurchesReview – on-going

• Ecclesiastical buildings are currently treated differently from other buildings within our legislation - they are (in effect) exempt from the normal Listed Building Consent controls as they apply to demolition, alteration or extension of a listed building. Following our public consultation, we are currently giving this issue further consideration.

• We will also be undertaking further consultation with Church Groups.

.

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Grant-Aid

Thatched Roofs - Grant-aid available

75% original roof structures

Professional Fees – 75%

Enhanced grant - 90% Income SupportIncome based Jobseekers AllowanceGuaranteed Pension Credit

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Grant-aid – NGO Funding• Funds for Buildings at Risk

– £½ Million for BPTs / charities for acquisitions

.

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Grant-Aid• New scheme retains existing benefits:

up front commitment to funding – without match funding

flexible approach – start dates

supports best conservation practice

Extra baseline funding of £1.5million. Total grant aid budget of c £4million.

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What is eligible?

• All repairs to the original fabric of a listed building.

• Extensions, alterations, insulation, wiring and heating are not eligible.

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How to apply?

• Forms are available today.

• They can be downloaded from our website.

• You can write or telephone us for an application pack.15

How long will it take?

• This depends upon the complexity of your scheme - we aim to issue ‘agreement in principle’ within six weeks of your application.

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Do I need an architect/ building professional?

• Use a competent professional who has experience in the repair of historic buildings –

• 75% of reasonable fees are available.

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Other initiatives

• Stakeholder’s Forum

An Event has been arranged for early December -

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• More detail to follow on the following issues –

• What is eligible – details

• Application to us – details of your project

• Procurement Requirements – tendering processes

• Schedule of Requirements - required standards

• Inspection of your Project - area Architects

Conclusion

Good News

– Increased Grant-aid and support is available NOW