Updated DCLG guidance published on EPCs for dwellings and non-dwellings

posted by Peter Scholl on 13.12.2017 in All  | Comments Off on Updated DCLG guidance published on EPCs for dwellings and non-dwellings

The Department for Communities and Local Government published updated guidance on EPCs for the marketing sale and letting of dwellings (click to see in new window) and for construction sale and let of non-dwellings (click to see in new window).

This now clarifies the position as to whether listed buildings or buildings within a conservation area are exempt from EPC requirements on sale or letting. The 2012 Regulations provide that buildings protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historical merit are exempt from the requirements to have an EPC, insofar as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance.

The updated guidance makes clear that buildings protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historical merit may include buildings within a conservation area and listed buildings and. So non-listed buildings in a conservation area may also fall within this exemption “insofar as compliance with certain minimum energy performance requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance”.

The guidance now recognises that for most historic buildings recommendations in an EPC such as double glazing, new doors and windows, external boiler flues report to comply with minimum energy performance requirements would likely to result in unacceptable alterations.

Owners of historic buildings or those of special character in a Conservation Area will need to consider whether the character or appearance of their building would be unacceptably altered by any works necessary to comply with minimum energy performance requirements. Only if that is the case is the need for an EPC obviated. The Guidance proposes that such owners may wish to seek the advice of their Local authority’s conservation officer.