IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Energy Performance Certificate requirement on listed buildings
At the recent Association of Cornish Property Professionals meeting one of the presentations was given by Cornwall Trading Standards on Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations. The presentation slides are available to view and download on the website.
In the question and answer session that followed the representatives from Trading Standards indicated that in their opinion, and contrary to what was generally accepted previously, an EPC IS required on a listed property being marketed for sale.
We have received this written confirmation of this from Gary Webster | Senior Trading Standards Officer | Cornwall Council gary.webster@cornwall.gov.uk | 0300 1234 191
“In relation to the applicability to EPCs for listed properties offered for sale; Cornwall Council Trading Standards would expect an EPC to be commissioned in all but a very limited number of scenarios. The scope of the legislation does not provide a blanket exemption for listed properties.
There are a range of potential energy improvements that can be made to such properties that would not unacceptably alter their character or appearance; and therefore an EPC should be sought prior to sale or marketing, in order that information regarding the current energy requirements (and potential efficiency improvements) can be provided to prospective purchasers.
In the unlikely event that you believe the property is outside of the scope of the regulations, then it is important to seek further advice from your local Planning Conservation Officer and Trading Standards, in order to avoid potential enforcement action.”
This may lead firms to review their current processes when acting for the owners of listed buildings.
Ed Trathen who gave a presentation on EPC’s and Annexes at the same meeting has been liaising with Trading Standards on a number of EPC related matters and is at hand to offer help, he can be contacted at PSG Cornwall on 01209 612820 or epc@psgcornwall.co.uk