6 FARROW&BALL Manufacturersof Traditional PapersandPaint Exclusive manufacturers of ¥ The National Trust Range of Paints and Britain's only paint manufacturer to offer a complete range of traditional finishes DEAD FLAT OIL 57 National Trust & 38 Archive colours in an oil rich resin DISTEMPER Botha soft distemper and an oil bound distemper strengthened with casein LEAD PAINT A traditional flake white, linseed oil & pure turpentine only recipe LIME WASH Traditionally slaked lime putty ready for dilution SCUMBLE & VARNISH Finest quality oil scumble, dead flat and eggshell varnish Also Afullrangeofbothwaterandoilstainersanda compiehensiverangeofearly formulationemulsion, oilglossandeggshellsinallNational TrustandArchivecolours All your conservation and restoration paint requirements met direct from the factory Tel: 01202 876141 Fax: 01202 873793 for colourcards & product information or visit our showroom at 249 Fulham Rd London SW3 NEWS IHBCJOINSEUROPA NOSTRA As part of the desire to extend the boundaries of the Institute and to develop a wider network of contacts, the Institute has recently become a member of Europa Nostra. As a panEuropean umbrella organisation sharing the Institute's common aims to protect and enhance European architecture and natural heritage -and to encourage a high standard of architecture and town and country planning - it is a useful and desirable connection. As a member, the Institute will be entitled to vote in the debate on international issues,· which will be invaluable. Many of these issues could have a direct releva nee to the development and organisation of heritage activities in the United Kingdom. It is one of the stated aims of Europa Nostra to influence public opinion and the policy and activities of international, national and local bodies and local authorities. A current issue is the question of VAT on historic building repairs, an area of common concern and one which the Institute has been in discussion with the government (see also Notes from Council). Europa Nostra extends its influence through conferences, seminars, publications, and study tours. Many of these activities will be of interesqo the membership of the Institute and will be reported through Context. The next Europa Nostra Conference is in Sardinia: 1-3 October - meeting in Alghero; 4-11 October, exploration of the Island of Sardinia. Details on request from Heather Einery, tel: 01260 253141. THEVALUEOFLOANSFORTHE UPKEEPOFHISTORICBUILDINGS As you will all be well aware LocalAuthorities can offer grants towards the expenses incurred in the repair and maintenance of Listed Buildings, and other non-listed buildings of special interest, within their areas. This is under Section 57 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. What you may be less aware of, however, is that a contribution under S.57 can also be made to owners through a loan. The loan may be interest free. A loans scheme has been operated by Mid Sussex District Council since 1984. Currently interest free loans can be obtained, for structural repairs to Listed Buildings to cover the total cost of the eligible works up to a maximum of £6,000. The loans are repayable over a three year period. The loans scheme is promoted through the District's own newspaper which goes to every household. Once an interested owner contacts the Council, an initial meeting is arranged on site to discuss the eligibility of the proposed works and appropriate repair methods to help maintain the building before any forms are required to be completed. At this stage we also involve the Senior Conservation Architect (Jon Barham) from West Sussex County Council. This proactive approach helps secure the interest of applicants before they can be put off by paperwork! It also saves the authority time by not having to process inappropriate applications and provides an opportunity to promote best practice. The value of loans in securing the upkeep of listed buildings should not be ignored. Protecting the historic built environment is essential to retaining what is special about an area - its genius loci. At the same time owners of listed properties frequently find they are unable to raise the money required to meet the costs of necessary repairs. By offering a loan to cover the total cost of the eligible works, maintainance is encouraged rather than allowing historic fabric to deteriorate or using the cheapest materials. An interest free loan can be an incentive to employ skilled professionals, adopt appropriate methods and uses high quality, local materials. The cost of operating a loans scheme is purely the staff time involved and the loss of interest on the money lent. In terms of benefits to an area's built environment it represents excellent value for money and can also have wider benefits in terms of education, the economy, and tourism. So if your authority currently does not have such a scheme it is worth giving it a second thought? Sharon Brown MPhil, MRTPI, Dip Bid Cons(RICS) is a Senior Planning Officer at Mid Sussex District Council. Context 59 September 1998 r
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