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, which supersedes the first edition published in 1999, 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.
1- Local authority powers
2- Assessing the risk
3- Preparing to take action
4- Section 215 Notices: a step-by-step guide
5- Urgent Works Notices: a step-by-step guide
6- Repairs Notices: a step-by-step guide
7- Cumpolsory Purchase Proceedings
8- Enforced sale procedure: a step-by-step guide
9- Housing Act 1985, section 17
10- Empty Dwelling Management Orders
11- Other relevant legislation
12- Local authority staffing and delegation
13- How can English Heritage help?
14- Useful publications
15- Other publications
16- Glossary
17- Acknowledgements
Appendix 1- Urgent Works Notice and Repairs Notice checklists
Appendix 2- Sample notices and letters
Appendix 3- Case studies
If you require an alternative accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact our Customer Services Department. Telephone: 0870 333 1181 Fax: 01793 414926 Textphone: 0800 015 0516 E-mail: customers@english-heritage.org.uk
