Historic buildings grants
The National Park Authority can give grant towards the repair of historic buildings and structures. Grants are discretionary and an offer will depend upon whether or not the works meet the eligibility criteria.
The scheme is intended to help towards the additional cost of repairing historic buildings or structures, over what would be standard repair. Such work often involves the use of specialist skills and materials which can be more costly. With an annual budget of £20,000, grants are offered up to 30% of the cost of eligible works (excluding VAT).
What type of work is eligible?
The scheme is directed specifically towards the repair of historic fabric and not general maintenance or reinstatement.
Repair of historic fabric to the following categories of building are eligible:
Listed buildings at risk/likely to become at risk
The Authority maintains a register of listed buildings at risk/likely to become at risk. Ongoing survey of the condition of listed buildings may add further buildings to this register. If a building appears on this list it will be eligible for grant aid.
Historic buildings or structures which are of special historic or architectural interest but have no long term future use.
Examples of these are surviving World War II structures, which have no alternative use and which will simply be left to decay if funding is not found; and redundant significant 'industrial' buildings or monuments which relate specifically to the industrial past of the New Forest.
Preference would of to schemes that need 'seed corn' funding to generate other grant funding from a range of sources such as Heritage Lottery Funding or similar.
Repair of community buildings and structures which are of historic interest.
These might include church halls.
Listed buildings (external and internal)
As well as general maintenance certain other types of work also are excluded:
- routine re-decoration (unless it is of a highly specialised expensive nature, and appropriate in conservation terms)
- wiring, plumbing, heating, room-fittings
- rethatching – considered a maintenance responsibility
Prominent unlisted historic buildings
Assistance is limited to external works which are readily visible from publicly accessible view points, and essential structural works to keep a building standing (without having to be partially rebuilt).
New Forest vernacular buildings
Buildings which typify the New Forest and assert local distinctiveness. Assistance is limited to external works.
Prominent historic walls and structures with no economic use
A key part of the character of historic building sites is often derived from the boundary structures and from peripheral out-buildings without any economic use.
Where can I get more advice?
Please contact the Building Conservation team on 01590 646678/58 for help and advice in applying for a grant.
The guidance notes below give applicants details of the procedures and processes involved. There is also advice for applicants on materials and workmanship. Any grant offer will be subject to a number of standard conditions.
Advice on materials and workmanship (47 KB)
Application form (26 KB)
Notes for applicants (35 KB)
