Date published: 2026-04-28 | Category: Delivering for local residents, energy efficiency, Planning, Preparing for the Future
Owners of listed buildings across Bath & North East Somerset can benefit from the expansion of an integrated energy advice and planning service that makes it easier to plan and carry out sensitive improvements to historic homes.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is working in partnership with Bath and West Community Energy (BWCE) to promote joint energy surveys. The Listed Building Energy Assessment & Planning Advice (LBEAPA) service will provide retrofit advice for listed building from both a heritage and a technical energy perspective.
Homeowners can book a joint home visit from a council conservation officer who will provide Service Level 0 pre-app advice and a BWCE energy assessor who will carry out a full home energy survey and provide a Home Energy Efficiency Plan (HEEP) and a new Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
The approach follows the success of Phase I of the Green Heritage Homes project, which supported dozens of residents to explore energy‑efficiency measures appropriate for their listed buildings.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Bath and North East Somerset, said: “Phase I showed just how much demand there is for clear, trusted advice on improving the energy efficiency of listed buildings. By bringing heritage and energy expertise together in one visit, we are helping to remove barriers and give B&NES homeowners the confidence they need to take the next steps toward sensitive, sustainable retrofit.”
During Phase 1:
- 69 energy surveys were completed with the majority of properties Grade II.
- 26 Level 0 pre‑apps were completed
- 27 retrofit‑related listed building consent/planning applications were submitted
- 88% approval rate for applications with decisions issued
The most popular measures included window and glazing upgrades, loft/roof insulation, and micro‑renewables such as solar panels and heat pumps.
Phase II of the Green Heritage Homes project is funded by Historic England, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and Curo Group.
Rebecca Barrett, South West Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The Bath Green Heritage Homes project has already shown that owners of listed buildings value early, tailored advice to improve the energy efficiency of their homes in a sensitive way. We’re pleased to support phase II of this innovative service to ensure that more of Bath’s older homes can be made more energy efficient and remain comfortable and sustainable places to live in the future.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: "We are lucky that the West of England has such a rich history; our heritage buildings help tell our story and bring so much character to our streets. As a region we are committed to helping more properties to be able to choose cleaner, cheaper energy, including across Bath & North East Somerset. This investment with the council and other partners will cut pollution locally, create and support new green jobs for people now, and help protect our planet's future."
Residents can book a Listed Building Assessment directly through the BWCE website, and assessments are eligible for Retrofit West discount vouchers. More information can be found on the BWCE website.
The Listed Building Energy Assessment & Planning Advice (LBEAPA) service was recently shortlisted in the Working in Collaboration category at the APSE Energy Awards, which recognises councils that are driving meaningful change within their operations and communities.
ENDS