Assessment of new uses for listed buildings

The range and acceptability of possible uses is therefore one of the most important considerations for all those involved in considering the future of a listed building. There should be an assessment of the building and how best to plan a new use which respects the features and characteristics of that building. To find a use first and then seek to adapt the building to accommodate it is likely to result in difficulties and expense as well as an unnecessary loss of historically and architecturally important material. Any assessment therefore requires balancing the economic viability of possible uses against the effect of any changes they entail in the special architectural or historic interest of the building in question. The impact of the proposed new use to the established character of the building and the surrounding area should also be assessed. In principle the aim should be to identify the best viable use that is compatible with the fabric, setting and character of the building and it should be noted that this may not necessarily be the most profitable use.