Joanne Williams, Historic England
During my time working in the flood sector I often hear that projects are stalling or going over on cost because a building is listed, or in a conservation area, or because the construction of the building isn’t typical.
As someone whose only worked in the heritage sector, I can’t help but chuckle. Those non-typical and annoying buildings that people moan about, roughly account for 40% of the UKs building stock today. Before 1900, they would have equated to roughly 99%, so in just over 100 years why are they suddenly deemed the problem? When actually they are more resilient than their modern counterparts.
There’s one reason really:
The majority of professionals aren’t taught about the difference between modern and traditional construction. They don’t understand that the materials respond very differently to water. Or that some materials, frequently used on modern buildings, could actually cause issues for those that are traditional.
Neither construction method is better than the other, they are just different and this is why Historic England’s new guidance on Historic and Traditional Buildings at Risk of Flooding | Historic England covers a variety of areas.
Working with colleagues at the Environment Agency, CIWEM and others in the flood sector, this guidance seeks to inform and educate and support various professions from Conservation Officers, Buildings Surveyors, through to flood specialists.
The key message being that engagement and collaboration is key to a enable effective and strategic planning whilst improving flood resilience. It’s not enough to only understand flooding from an environmental perspective. Our built environment is unique and different construction types and materials, will respond very differently. To ensure climate resilience all these factors need to be considered in every project.
It’s not a one size fits all approach on any building, at any site, against any risk. It’s the collaboration and learning from one another that will ensure we create a resilient built and natural environment.
It can be frustrating, no one is going to say otherwise. But it’s important to recognise that all of us, whatever our profession, or even the clients, have different knowledge, levels of experience and understanding. We have different time commitments, and rules, regulations or standards to comply with.
So if you still think heritage is your problem child but you know one is going to be on your project. Or if you are a heritage professional working on a flood scheme. Then think about it early on, start early dialogue, seek different expertise to support. Seek to facilitate better conversations and limit disruptions to projects.
Historic England will continue to work with the sector to address various concerns and perceived barriers. To support in education and in future research and development of new products.
Other areas of work include addressing how our heritage will respond to coastal erosion. There will be many changes required that will need careful consideration and management, whilst working with other stakeholders to find a mutually beneficial outcome.
If there are elements missing from the guidance that you think need to be addressed, or if you have areas of research / case studies you would like to collaborate on please do get in touch on email here.