The Council recognises that the maintenance and repair of listed and other heritage buildings can place a significant burden on owners, particularly in terms of the cost of repairs.
In order to try to provide some encouragement and assistance for owners to take their responsibilities seriously in keeping such buildings in a positive conservation condition, the Council has developed a building repair grant scheme that will run for this and the next financial year in a pilot form. Its benefits will then be evaluated for the potential for future years funding.
The aim is to provide modest support for the costs of essential maintenance and repair, where the central principles behind this are firstly to encourage owners to understand their buildings in terms of their design, structure, and condition, to carry out regular and appropriate maintenance, and where repairs are required, these should be the minimum necessary to stabilise and conserve the building both for its long-term survival and to meet the needs of continuing use.
The Council has prepared a brief guidance note that elaborates on the central principle of repair, and sets out the type of approach that the Council is looking for in terms of its ability to potentially support grant applications.
Guidance for Applicants
The Council has prepared a further guidance note for potential applicants that sets out who can apply for a grant, what types of heritage buildings are eligible, what works are covered, and the amount of grant available. Depending on the type of heritage building, grants will be payable for up to half of eligible costs, up to a maximum of between £2,500 and £10,000.
How to Apply
Potential applicants should first review the two guidance notes attached above, and should also consider having an informal discussion with the Built Conservation Team to outline the nature of the repair that they are considering applying for, and to get an in principle view in response, as well as advice on supporting information required with an application.
The Built Conservation Team are presently still working from home due to the ongoing situation with Covid and the best means of contact is by email to the following address conservation@flintshire.gov.uk.
Applicants should complete the Building Repair Grant application form and return it (preferable by email) to the Built Conservation Team, at the above address.
Conservation areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest. The local planning authority has a statutory duty to designate them and to preserve and enhance their special character or appearance. Permission may be needed before undertaking works to any property within a conservation area.
A number of features may make up the character of a conservation area, such as building materials, styles and features, a particular road layout or development pattern. Archaeology, the local topography, trees, landscaping, the wider landscape, views and vistas are also important.