Resource

LEAD method summary: Level 0 listed building consent pre-application advice

Providing householders in listed buildings with early-stage advice from a Conservation Officer trained in retrofit for traditional buildings.

Briefing note

Good practice

Provided by: South West Net Zero Hub

This resource is hosted externally - access it here

Part of: LEAD programme: Local Energy Advice Demonstrator

Topics

Building surveys and asset registers Capability and skills Community Public consultation and public engagement Domestic retrofit measures Historic buildings and conservation areas Public awareness

The Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) programme trialled innovative approaches for delivering retrofit advice to hard-to-reach groups and hard-to-treat homes. This resource provides a summary of insights into one of the methods trialled by the South West Net Zero Hub within one or several of its six projects.

Level 0 listed building consent pre-application advice: How the method works

Level 0 advice is an early-stage, affordable service offered by local planning authorities to help householders explore retrofit options before committing to specific measures. Unlike standard pre-application advice, it requires no forms or designs. A Conservation Officer with retrofit training visits the property and provides a tailored report outlining suitable retrofit and maintenance options. Alternatively, a joint visit with a Retrofit or Energy Assessor can be arranged, resulting in a more detailed Home Energy Efficiency Plan alongside the Level 0 report.

Consult the full LEAD method summary on level 0 listed building consent pre-application advice – linked above and below – for information on why the method works and what you’ll need, as well as an accompanying case study and top tips should you wish to use this method. To finish off, there is also a list of additional resources, such as webinars, online courses, and any other tools or guidance relevant to this method.