Living with Listing
A one-day masterclass for those that own, or are interested in owning, a listed building
17th May 2025
Do you own a listed building? Are you thinking of buying one? This course is for you. In the one-day workshop, Alfie Robinson (a historian and heritage consultant) will give you a crash course in what exactly you’re getting yourself into.
The course fee is £110
We will begin by briefly exploring why we’ve ended up with listed buildings, what the protections mean in practice, and then teach the fundamentals of how to ‘read’ a listed building description using real-life examples.
The course will tackle the most common (and riskiest) misconceptions about old buildings and the way they are protected in UK law and in the planning process. We will then consider some of the most common types of alteration to a listed building you’re likely to want to do, such as upward extensions, ground-floor extensions or internal changes. We’ll consider how to approach this, how likely these are to get permission, the conservation principles to use, how to find the right craftsmen and women, and how to go about restoring things to their ‘original’ state.
It’s all about helping you do the right thing for your home and for you as painlessly as possible.
On the day
History and background to listed buildings
Reading listings with questions on real-life listings
Protections in Law and Policy
Misconceptions
Changes to buildings, how to go about them and how to find contractors
House tour of a listed building
Tutor
Alfie Robinson is a historian and heritage consultant based in Cornwall. His publications on art, architecture and conservation can be found on academia.edu. He took a first class BA degree at the University of Cambridge followed by an MA (distinction) at the University of York. As a heritage consultant, Alfie turns his research skills to present-day building projects, where he advises on the history of existing structures, their significance, and what to do next.
Testimonials
Joel Endersby Heritage Restorations - “We have worked with Alfie on numerous projects; he has made a fine name for himself as a historian”
Marazion Quaker Meeting - “He was extremely thorough...our applications were readily granted. We were extremely pleased with both Alfie’s work on our behalf and the finished result which has won plaudits from both our members and the local community, including the local town council.”
Former Client - "Alfie combines a deep love for and understanding of old buildings and a precise awareness of the listing and building regulations regimes with an ability to communicate precisely and clearly. He’s a joy to work with.”
