The concept of a new ‘Grade III’ listing was publicly introduced by Will Arnold, from the Institute of Structural Engineers. The aim is to save significant amounts of carbon by legislating to make reuse – rather than demolition – the default option throughout our industry. Picked up widely across the press and supported by TV personality Kevin McCloud, this debate has breached its typically esoteric commentary and brought national attention to the subject.

This proposal would give every existing building a mandatory Grade III listing, starting with those of a net internal area of more than 1,000m2. Proposals for replacing an existing structure would need permission to demolish, first proving there is no viable retrofit solution.

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