20/02/2025
The RSUA Conservation Committee met today in the RSUA office.
The Committee reviewed the draft paper stating RSUA’s position on the demolition of non-designated heritage assets. There was a discussion around whether justifying demolition of an existing building was a planning issue or a building control issue, and who action should be taken by. It was agreed to invite a representative from the Policy & Legislation team at DfI to attend the next meeting to talk about legislative pathways and confirm what the enforcement mechanisms are.
Ciarán Fox provided an update on plans for an overnight conservation study to trip to Edinburgh to include a visit to Hill House.
Ciarán Fox provided an update on the meeting with DEARA minister. The Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Proposal written by Rob Lister was shared with the Minister at this meeting. RSUA has since received an update from the Minister on the proposal. His officials reviewed the proposal and sought advice from the Historic Environment Division of DfC but due to tight budgets across all government departments, there is minimal funding available to assist listed building owners with repairs. However, the Minister did report that DfC is developing a business case to justify increased investment in the coming years., which could lead to join support between DfC and DEARA for these buildings.
The list of retrofit advice documents prepared by the joint Climate Emergency/Conservation Committee was shared with RSUA members. Comments are being taken on board by the joint Committee. The list of documents can be viewed here.
Members of the RSUA Climate Emergency Committee and the RSUA Conservation Committee attended a joint meeting in December 2024 to consider energy performance guidance when undertaking a whole house retrofit project. The group were provided with some typical characteristics of a redbrick mid-terrace house in Belfast as an example and discussed what would need to be considered. Items discussed were roof insulation, windows and replacing parlour and kitchen floors to improve energy performance. The joint committee will meet again on 27 March 2025 to continue the discussion.
The RSUA Conservation Committee will next meet on 30 April.
