Bedford Park Residents to Be Sent Energy Conservation Guide
Will explain how to reduce bills while respecting heritage
Period windows can be better insulated without compromising design. Picture: Bedford Park Society
The Bedford Park Society is set to deliver 2,500 energy conservation guides to local homeowners.
In one of its most significant projects aimed at helping the local community, the society has funded and produced a 12-page guide ‘Energy Conservation in Bedford Park Houses’, arranging delivery of free copies across Bedford Park. The guide will help homeowners consider the most effective options available while respecting the architectural history and traditional construction of Bedford Park houses and following heritage sector best practice.
It is relevant for owners of any house built before 1920 and anyone interested can access an online copy on The Bedford Park Society’s website or contact the Society to request a copy.
Chair of the Society Helen Jameson said, “We are often approached by Bedford Park homeowners who are keen to improve the energy efficiency of their homes but uncertain about what is possible in the context of the Local Authority Conservation Area and Listed Buildings requirements. After considerable research and consultation with experts, we decided to make our findings and suggestions available to the wider Bedford Park community at no cost to householders, as part of our commitment to supporting local residents.”
Information included relates to both listed and non-listed houses, covering a series of practical “quick wins” such as draught-proofing, secondary glazing and loft insulation. It also sets out the issues relating, for example, to the installation of sealed double-glazing, roof lights or heat pumps. Both Ealing and Hounslow Councils consider the fabric and details of houses of traditional construction too crucial to be compromised by unsuitable changes.
Helen Jameson points out, “When considering how to improve the energy efficiency of a Bedford Park house there is an over-riding presumption by the authorities of the importance of retaining the historic fabric rather than alteration. We have incorporated some key information about checking building regulations and planning and (where relevant) listed building consent in the guide.”
Failed glazing can lead to condensation. Picture: Bedford Park Society
The guide emphasises the importance of adopting a “whole building” approach when addressing the thermal efficiency of older and historic buildings like those in Bedford Park. Historic England, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and other experts strongly recommend this so that any changes made to improve energy efficiency do not lead to possible unintended consequences, such as moisture accumulation, overheating or fabric damage. The society says is important to understand the way an individual house performs as an integrated environmental system. Links to relevant documents published by Historic England and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings are included in the guide.
The guide has been produced drawing on information available from both these organisations with guidance from the Society’s Planning Committee and other local conservation specialists, and with regard to the current Conservation Area Guidelines for both Ealing and Hounslow.
Since 1963 The Bedford Park Society has been working to preserve and enhance the character of Bedford Park and its buildings and on community issues affecting residents.
For further information about the Bedford Park Society: email: information@bedfordpark.org.uk or check the website: www.bedfordpark.org.uk.
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February 3, 2024