Guest Blog – Oliver Westgarth, StudiO Architecture + Design
This article has been prepared for general guidance and interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. No liability is accepted for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of the content and the same is specifically excluded.
Guernsey is an island with a rich heritage, including hundreds of historic properties that are partly or wholly protected. You could be forgiven for assuming that renovating or extending these properties is forbidden.
In fact, with the right design and the appropriate planning permission, it’s perfectly possible to upgrade and adapt protected properties for contemporary living. Such projects present exciting opportunities to create homes that are interesting, flexible and totally unique.
If you’re considering purchasing a protected Guernsey property with the intention of altering it to suit your needs and tastes, it’s important to understand how the local protection system works, how it differs from its equivalent in the mainland UK, and how to navigate it successfully.
There are currently around 1600 protected buildings in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, each of which has a corresponding Notice that is sent to the building owner and published on the States of Guernsey website. These buildings have been selected for their ‘special interest’ relating to age, architecture, history, historical association, demonstration of traditional crafts and skills, or some combination of these. In some cases, the whole building is given protected status. In others, only the exterior, façade or outbuildings may be protected.
Under what’s known as Class 3 Exemption, you can carry out certain repairs, maintenance and minor alterations – generally where these do not impact the historic building fabric – without planning permission. Whether works are covered by the exemption depends on what is special about the particular protected building, and can be confirmed by the Planning Department.
More substantial alterations (including internal alterations where the whole building is protected), extensions, and full or partial demolitions require permission. Any changes must minimise harm to, and ideally preserve or enhance, a building’s special characteristics.
The Guernsey system differs from its UK equivalent in various important ways. In the UK, buildings are ‘listed’ with Grade I or Grade II status; in Guernsey, there is no such distinction. In the UK, you can apply for government repair grants to ease the financial burden of your project; in Guernsey, all costs must be met by the property owner. Finally, while in the UK you can secure Listed Building Consent covering a range of potential eventualities, Guernsey law requires you to obtain new planning permission for any additional element of your project not originally approved.
The legal consequences of proceeding without planning permission can be significant.
As well as the potential compulsory restoring of the building to its original condition, you may face a substantial fine, and in very serious cases, even imprisonment. Fortunately, working with knowledgeable, experienced local architects and consultants gives your project an excellent chance of success.
If all this makes the prospect of altering a protected property in Guernsey seem daunting, fear not! With the right professional guidance, the process can be completed as swiftly and smoothly as possible, with exciting results.
At StudiO, we specialise in fusing old and new. We have a proven track record of securing planning permission for significant renovations and extensions of protected buildings. Our considered, contextual designs honour and enhance the traditional elements of historic homes while also introducing stylish contemporary aesthetics.
To learn more about what we do and how we can help you bring your protected property into the 21st century, visit us at studi-o.io.
If you are considering relocating to the island, the team at Locate Guernsey are on hand to provide confidential guidance throughout your relocation journey free of charge. If you would like to understand how Guernsey could work for you, please get in touch on 01481 220011 or email enquiries@locateguernsey.com.
