Historic buildings

We cover:

Historic buildings, historic areas, listed buildings and conservation areas

The main services we provide are:-

• Advice to the County Council on historic buildings and areas required by its strategic planning role e.g. by commenting on planning applications and other development proposals
• Advice to the County Council on historic buildings and areas in relation to its highways, property management and other roles
• Management of 4 ruined historic buildings in guardianship
• Historic building projects
• Increasing public awareness and understanding of historic buildings, and public involvement and action
• Setting up and supporting partnerships and networks
• General advice and information on historic buildings

We have no historic buildings grant budget.

A project on Onion Drying Sheds

The Bedfordshire Architectural Heritage Trust which promotes the understanding, appreciation and conservation of the county's historic buildings, and will carry out restoration projects as a building preservation trust. (See Architectural Heritage Fund below.)

Contact:

Mrs Amanda Coates (Secretary)
11 Cardiff Road
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 1PP

Services provide by others include:-

Most planning, listed building and conservation area proposals, applications and issues are dealt with by Local Planning Authorities – Bedford Borough Council| (new window), Mid Bedfordshire District Council| (new window), South Bedfordshire District Council| and (outside our area) Luton Borough Council|. All those authorities have planning and conservation officers who will advise on historic buildings and areas.

Contacts for the Local Planning Authorities are:

Planning Services|
Bedford Borough Council|
Town Hall
St Paul's Square
Bedford
K40 1SJ

Telephone: (01234) 221729

Conservation & Design Team, Planning Division|
Mid Bedfordshire District Council|
23 London Road
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire
SG18 8ER

Tel: (01767) 313137.

Development Control Service|
South Bedfordshire District Council|
The District Offices
High Street North
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 1LF

Telephone: (01582) 472222

Regeneration Service|
Luton Borough Council|
Town Hall
George Street
Luton
Bedfordshire
LU1 2BQ

Telephone: (01582) 547095

Contact the Borough and District Council for details of any historic buildings grant schemes they operate.

Advice on Grade I and Grade II* Listed Buildings and on some major applications which affect conservation areas is also available from English Heritage but it is usually most helpful to talk to your Local Planning Authority first.

Contact:

English Heritage|
East of England Region
Brooklands House
24 Brooklands Avenue
Cambridge
CB2 2BU

Tel: (01223) 582700

Other local projects and groups include:

John Bailey
The Beds, Bucks and Cambs Historical Buildings Research Group
2 Church Lane
Eaton Bray
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
LU6 2DJ

Important organisations and sources of information include -

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings| publishes technical advice notes and booklets on many aspects of the maintenance and repair of historic buildings, and can advise on suitable surveyors, architects and craftspeople.

The Georgian Group| principally deals with buildings dating from 1700 – 1837 though some of its advice is of more general use. The Group provides guidance on repair, maintenance, refurbishment and redecoration.

The Victorian Society| principally deals with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and other arts dating from 1837 – 1914 though some of its advice is of more general use. The Group provides guidance on repair, maintenance, refurbishment and redecoration.

The Ancient Monuments Society| covers man-made structures of architectural or historical interest of any date including houses, barns, almshouses, dovecotes, mills and chapels. The Society is especially concerned with the preservation of redundant churches.

The Architectural Heritage Fund| promotes the conservation of historic buildings by providing advice and information, and grants and loans for projects undertaken by building preservation trusts (such as the Bedfordshire Architectural Heritage Trust mentioned above) and other charities.

For historic building conservation| with a wide range of articles and advice, a directory of specialist contractors and information on conservation courses and training.

Funds for historic buildings|  provides a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to repair, restore or convert historic buildings.

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation| (IHBC) is the professional institute which represents conservation professionals. It promotes the highest standards of practice to achieve effective protection and enhancement of the historic environment.

The Industrious East|  is a regional route which celebrates the industrial heritage of the East of England and its people.

Conservation and Urban Design Planning - Conservation Advice
|Conservation and Urban Design Planning - Conservation Areas|

The main contact for our services is:

David Bevan|
Heritage & Environment Manager
Heritage & Environment Service
Bedfordshire County Council
Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP

Telephone: (01234) 228082