9 February 2026
New Reform Proposals to Ease Energy Retrofits for Listed Homes
Grosvenor calls for a National Consent Order to streamline energy-efficiency upgrades for Grade II listed properties.
A landmark report by the Grosvenor property group has called on the UK government to drastically reform the heritage building consent process. The core proposal is the introduction of a National Listed Building Consent Order (NLBCO) specifically designed for Grade II listed buildings. Currently, homeowners wishing to improve the energy efficiency of their heritage properties—such as installing heat pumps, solar panels, or double glazing—must navigate a complex, slow, and often inconsistent individual planning application process. The report argues that the current bureaucracy is a significant barrier to the UK’s net-zero goals. By standardizing permissions for specific, low-impact sustainable retrofits, the government could bypass the 'planning lottery' that currently plagues the system. This shift aims to empower homeowners to decarbonize their properties without compromising the architectural integrity and historic character of the UK’s building stock.
For the London homeowner, this proposal represents a potential sea change in how we maintain and modernize the capital’s iconic heritage. London boasts one of the highest concentrations of Grade II listed residential properties in the world, from Georgian terraces in Islington to Victorian villas in Kensington. Historically, owners of these homes have been caught in a difficult position: wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills, but facing significant resistance from local conservation officers who view modern materials as a threat to heritage.
At London Extend, we frequently see the friction caused by the current system. One London borough might permit slimline double glazing, while a neighboring borough insists on original single-pane glass, leaving homeowners with cold, draughty rooms and soaring heating costs. The proposed NLBCO would replace this inconsistency with clarity. If your retrofit meets pre-defined national standards for quality and aesthetics, the need for individual, lengthy negotiations with the council could be eliminated. This doesn't just save time; it reduces the professional fees associated with complex planning appeals.
Why does this matter now? Beyond the environmental imperative, there is a clear economic driver. As EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings become a primary concern for buyers and mortgage lenders, listed homes that cannot be upgraded risk seeing their market value stagnate. A streamlined consent process would allow Londoners to future-proof their assets, making them more comfortable to live in and more attractive to the next generation of buyers who prioritize sustainability.
While we wait for the government to act on these recommendations, the strategy for London homeowners remains focused on 'sympathetic innovation.' This involves using high-performance, breathable insulation and vacuum-sealed glazing that offers the thermal benefits of triple glazing with the thin profile required for historic frames. The Grosvenor report signals a vital acknowledgement that heritage and sustainability must coexist. Until these reforms are codified, London Extend continues to specialize in navigating the current, delicate balance—ensuring your home meets 21st-century standards while honoring its architectural past. If you are planning a renovation on a listed property, now is the time to start looking at how these emerging policy shifts could simplify your development journey.