Our Aims and Ideas 
The aim of the Building Conservation service is to secure the conservation of the Maldon District's built heritage through the promotion of its funding, repair, restoration, research and interpretation for the benefit of all who live, work and visit here. This aim is secured through collaboration with community groups, government agencies and other local authorities.

Contact
To contact the Building Conservation Team, fill in our online Contact the Building Conservation Team e-form, or telephone us on 01621 854477.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Where can I get old plans and photographs of my property?
A. Maldon District Council does not retain any historical records. Try the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford which maintains a comprehensive County-wide archive.

The Maldon Society maintains an archive of photographs in the Maeldune Heritage Centre, Maldon which is free to access.
Opening times: 1pm-4pm Monday to Saturday inclusive. From 1st October to 1st April 1pm-4pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday only.

Q. I am about to buy a listed building - can I put an extension on it?
A. You must be satisfied with the property as it is and NOT purchase it on the basis of what you would like it to become in the future. This is because there is no guarantee that approval would be given for any future alterations.

Some listed buildings can be extended, others not – it varies case by case and the Conservation Officer can offer on-site advice. Such advice, however, would not bind the Council in any future decision it made about alterations or extensions.

Q Where do I go to get specialist technical advice about my listed building?
A.  The following websites offer good specialist advice about conservation: 
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) 
English Heritage
The Georgian Group 
The Victorian Society
The Twentieth Century Society 

Q. Do you have any surveyors, architects or engineers to recommend?
A. As a local authority we are not permitted to recommend any particular supplier of goods and services. We suggest that you use the following links to consult the website of these respective professional institutes.

Surveyors: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors 
Architects: Royal Institute of British Architects 
Engineers: Findanengineer.com

Q. Do you know of any contractors with experience of working on listed buildings?
A. As a local authority we are not permitted to recommend any particular supplier of goods and services. We do, however, have some knowledge of local contractors with experience of working on listed buildings and can make suggestions on request.

Q. Am I eligible for a grant?
A. If you own a listed building or an unlisted building in a conservation area you may be eligible for financial assistance from Maldon District Council – follow link to Grant Schemes.

Owners of Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings may be eligible for assistance from English Heritage. 

Funds for Historic Buildings, a comprehensive guide to funding is available for anyone seeking to repair, restore or convert for a new use an historic building. Details can be found at www.ffhb.org.uk.

Q. How do I know if my building is listed?
A. Maldon District Council holds a record of all listed buildings in its area. We can confirm a listing by phone, fax or email, free of charge.

Alternatively, English Heritage can provide free copies of list descriptions of up to three buildings within five working days. Call 020 7208 8221 or email london@rchme.co.uk.

Q. Can I install a satellite dish on my listed building?
A. If you live in a listed building and want to install an antenna on the building you need to apply for Listed Building Consent.  Antenna's may affect the character or appearance of a listed building or its setting.

Q. Can I install a satellite dish on my building within a Conservation Area?
A. There are restrictions in designated areas.  The ODPM (now DCLG) have published a useful guide: A Householder's Planning Guide for the Installation of Antennas, including Satellite Dishes available at http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1144585

Q. Where can I get details of listed buildings at risk to buy?
A. Save Britain's Heritage and English Heritage's Buildings at Risk Register both hold details of such properties.