If you manage or own a listed building in Scotland, then making any alterations to the property must be done with care – and within the rules. Listed buildings are protected, so you can’t just do what you want, but that doesn’t mean installing shutters is prohibited; you just need to get it right.
The Scottish Shutter Company is on your side – we have the experience needed to ensure a professional and respectful shutter installation in your listed building. Here are some things you need to consider.
What is a Listed Building?
A listed building is defined as being ‘of special architectural or historic interest’. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) manages all listed buildings in Scotland, dividing them into three categories:
- Category A – Those which are outstanding examples of a particular period, style or building type.
- Category B – Those which are major examples of a particular period, style or building type.
- Category C – Those which are representative examples of a period, style or building type.
Just because a building has been listed, doesn’t mean alterations can’t be done – including the installation of shutters, it simply means that care must be taken to preserve those characteristics and features that caused the building to be listed in the first place. Shutters should be installed to reflect and enhance the style of the building, not just to make an aesthetic change.
Can You Install Shutters in a Listed Building?
As suggested, as long as you do it right, you can add shutters to your listed building, though you might need listed building consent, which is a bit like planning permission for listed buildings. Like planning permission, you get this by applying through the local planning authority. There’s no fee, unlike larger-scale planning permission, but you will need to put forward a detailed proposal of your alteration.
Professionally installed internal shutters are rarely rejected, especially as they can be customised to suit the period of the building. External shutters may prove a little more problematic as they will affect how the structure looks from the outside, but with the right proposal and the backing of industry experts like us at the Scottish Shutter Company, you stand the best chance of having your application approved.
The Best Types of Shutters for Listed Buildings
When choosing shutters for listed buildings, it’s essential that you put the period and style of the building at the forefront. In most cases, this means using traditional materials and opting for traditional styles. Paint and finish options have to suit the heritage of the building, so anything that looks plastic is out.
At the Scottish Shutter Company, we work with premium shutter brands to fit beautiful shutters that are in harmony with the surrounding design. As our shutters are fully customised, we can match any window style and shape for that perfect fit.
Installing traditional shutters also doesn’t mean losing out on the best modern shutter technology. As long as the end result is in keeping with your building, there’s flexibility to utilise the very best in long-lasting coatings and – in some cases – even include automatic and smart technologies.
As long as your final proposal correctly shows the intended enhancement and the shutters meet the authority’s criteria, your listed building consent should fly through effortlessly.
The Benefits of Premium Shutters in Listed Buildings
Listed buildings often come with equally important furnishings and fittings. Top-quality shutters are going to help protect the building, keeping it in top shape for the future.
- UV protection to prevent furniture damage and fading upholstery.
- Improved insulation that lowers bills.
- Help guard against winter chills and damp.
- Excellent light control for both day-to-day living and visitor experience.
- Additional security.
- Easy to maintain for long-lasting protection.
Listed Building Shutters with the Scottish Shutter Company
At the Scottish Shutter Company, we have decades of top-level experience in installing bespoke shutter solutions in listed buildings across Scotland. Whether it’s a category A site that’s visited by tourists on a daily basis or a private category C home that just needs to meet regulations, we have the expertise you need to get the most from your window coverings.
Our specialists will work alongside you or your team to develop a comprehensive plan to present to the authority for listed building consent, creating the appropriate designs and specifications that perfectly match the existing building’s period and style.
We’re here to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible, resulting in premium shutters that truly enhance your listed building.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation or download our brochure to learn more about our range of premium shutters.
