Listed Commercial Building — Exterior Repaint Under Listed Building Consent

The Challenge

Obtaining Listed Building Consent for external redecoration requires a formal application setting out the existing condition, proposed colour, and product specification, supported by photographic evidence of the current paint failure. Westminster's conservation team required a specialist's report on the condition of the existing paint system before they would grant consent, which added six weeks to the pre-contract period. The building also remained occupied throughout, requiring careful hoarding and containment of the ground-floor entrances and working around the tenants' client-facing reception hours.

Our Approach

We commissioned a paint condition survey from an independent conservation specialist, whose report formed the basis of the Listed Building Consent application. Once consent was granted, we erected a scaffold incorporating a full ground-level hoarding system with double-door access for occupants. All loose and failing paint was removed by hand and by careful use of warm-air paint strippers, avoiding any percussive or abrasive methods that could disturb the historic render. Repairs were carried out in lime-based mortar, and the entire facade was finished in two coats of Keim Soldalit silicate paint in the council-approved colour.

The Result

Consent was granted, works were completed on programme, and the building emerged looking entirely renewed without compromising its listed character. The tenants reported zero disruption to their business operations throughout the six-week programme, and Westminster's conservation officer confirmed compliance at the post-works inspection.