Talking Conservation

Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury
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Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more. We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on. We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site. Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/

  1. FEB 6

    Listed Building Myths that can get you into serious trouble | Part 2

    What happens if you rely on a builder’s advice, skip consent, or try to “fix it later” on a listed building?In this second myth-busting episode, we unpack the real legal risks of getting listed building works wrong. Joined again by conservation architect Claire Truman, Stephen and Rich explore some of the most dangerous misconceptions homeowners have about listed buildings, planning consent, and enforcement. From criminal liability and prosecution to enforcement notices that follow properties for decades, this episode explains why “asking forgiveness later” is rarely a safe strategy. We cover: - Who is legally responsible for unauthorised listed building works - Why builders, owners, and professionals can all be liable - The difference between prosecution and enforcement - Why listed building breaches don’t “time out” - What happens when you buy a listed building with historic unauthorised works - Whether using “traditional materials” avoids the need for consent - Common traps around insulation, kitchens, bathrooms, and services - How poor applications and missing information cause delays and refusals - This episode is essential listening for homeowners, buyers, professionals, or anyone responsible for work to a listed or historic building. 00:00 Intro 00:35 The quality of applications and some tips for making applications 04:02 Extensions of time and tracking an application 05:40 Withdrawing an application and re-submission – pros and cons 06:36 Experiences of applications – Rich and Claire 09:45 LPOC lobbying for simplifying some aspects of the process and Stephen’s experience 10:47 DBAs (Desk based archaeological assessments), NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and HER (Historic Environment Register) 12:26 MYTH “My builder said it was fine to do this, so surely it must be”- prosecution and enforcement 19:27 Working with builders 22:47 MYTH – it is easier to ask for forgiveness than get permission 27:57 Rebuilding properties and cultural significance 31:43 MYTH – if I use traditional materials, I don’t need consent 35:02 Opening up – to do or not to do? 37:46 Dealing with conditions attached to planning 41:09 What does ‘traditional material’ mean? 44:40 Question regarding roof insulation 50:17 Question regarding repainting in a different colour 53:23 Question regarding re-fitting kitchens and bathrooms, wiring, and pipework 55:05 Thanks to Claire and Claire’s contact details 55:52 Final thoughts 58:53 Music outro 🔔 Subscribe for moreWe release practical, expert-led episodes on: - Listed buildings & planning law - Lime, timber, damp & traditional materials - Avoiding costly mistakes in older homes 💬 Have a question about your building or a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave a comment, we read every one. 👉 Link to Planning Portal, as mentioned in the video, https://www.planningportal.co.ukuse the search facility to find specific information. 👉 Learn more about Claire Truman and her conservation architecture practice: https://heritagerevival.uk/ 👉 Our guest conservation architect expert, Claire, is available for impartial 1-1 video advice on Expertible, just search in the Regulatory Section here: https://expertible.com 👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at https://www.beconservation.com

    59 min

  2. JAN 30

    What CAN you do to a Listed Building? Part 1

    What can you actually do to a listed building?In this episode of Talking Conservation, we cut through the confusion, myths, and half-truths that surround listed buildings and planning consent. Joined by conservation architect Claire Truman, we explore what homeowners are often told they can’t do, versus what the legislation and real-world practice actually allow. Drawing on professional experience and real case studies, this conversation is about empowerment, understanding the system, and knowing where to get the right help. We discuss:• Common myths about listed buildings and consent• What changes usually do and don’t need permission• How planning and conservation officers think about alterations• When to seek professional advice and how to avoid costly mistakes• Where flexibility exists within the rules This episode is ideal for owners of listed or historic buildings, prospective buyers, and professionals working with older properties. About our guestClaire Truman is a conservation architect and an independent expert available for impartial advice via Expertible. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss future episodes, including upcoming myth-busting and themed mini-series.💬 Have a question about your building or a topic you’d like us to cover? Leave a comment, we read every one.👉 Learn more about Claire Truman and her conservation architecture practice: https://heritagerevival.uk/👉 Our guest conservation architect expert, Claire, is available for impartial 1-1 video advice on Expertible, just search in the Regulatory Section here: https://expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at https://www.beconservation.com

    43 min

  3. 11/01/2025

    Talking Conservation Turns One – What We’ve Learned & What’s Next

    It’s been one year of Talking Conservation — and in this special anniversary episode, Rich and Stephen step back to reflect on the journey so far. From favourite episodes to lessons learned behind the mic, they also reveal what’s coming next. In this episode:• Key takeaways from 12 months of podcasting• Exciting plans for 2025 — including hands-on training and a conservation day• Updates on Stephen’s new CPD training platform for professionals• How Rich’s platform, Expertible, is helping homeowners access independent conservation advice• How you can shape future episodes with your feedback 🎯 Got a question or an idea for future episodes? Reach out via our websites below. Book a 1-to-1 consultation: https://www.expertible.comExplore Stephen’s CPD training: https://www.beconservation.comRegister interest for our Conservation Day:https://bit.ly/conservation-day-survey 🔔 Follow to get notified about new episodes as we launch a brand new series soon – including one focused on timber and internal finishes.

    28 min

  4. 09/26/2025

    Lime Plaster Ceiling Repair for Old Homes | Decorative Cornice & Moulding Restoration Tips

    In this final episode of our Lime Series, we’re joined once again by master plasterer Sean Wheatley to explore the finer details of working with lime plaster on ceilings, restoring decorative cornices, and repairing historic mouldings in older UK homes.We cover:How to approach lime plaster ceiling repairs safely and effectivelyWhy cornices and ceiling roses matter for character and breathabilityCommon causes of ceiling failure in older buildingsRepairing and replacing traditional decorative plasterworkReal-world tips from decades of experience working on Victorian and Edwardian homesHow to blend new and original plaster seamlesslyWhether you're dealing with sagging ceilings, cracked cornices, or missing mouldings, this episode will help you understand what to do — and what to avoid — when working with lime plaster in period properties.🔔 Subscribe to our channel for expert advice on maintaining and restoring older homes📣 This wraps up our series on lime — next, we’re diving into a whole new theme. Hit the bell to be notified when the next series goes live!🔗 Links👉 Expertible – 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyor and conservation specialist📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditional buildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation.🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist hereContents00:00 Introduction00:40 A brief history of decorative plasterwork03:08 A brief history of fibrous plasterwork05:52 Forms of plaster and mixes 07:49 Changes in decorative plaster through the 17th and 18th centuries11:14 Whether to repair or replace14:00 Cleaning plaster details and taking a squeeze17:16 Applying soft distemper17:48 Taking a squeeze19:58 Installing new/replacement cornices and details25:00 The most challenging, rewarding, impressive jobs30:19 Running moulds and what lies behind32:33 Decorative plaster34:10 Aggregates, hair and additives48:31 Closing49:14 Outro

    50 min

  5. 09/17/2025

    How to Fix Ceilings in Older Homes – Lath, Plaster & Lime Advice with Master Plasterer Sean Wheatley

    In this episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by expert heritage plasterer Sean Wheatley, who brings decades of hands-on experience in the restoration of traditional ceilings and plasterwork in older homes. From sagging lath and plaster to hairline cracks and inappropriate repairs, Sean explains what to look out for, how to fix it — andwhen to call in a pro. 🧱 We discuss: ●      What materials were historicallyused for ceilings (and why it matters) ●      How to tell if a ceiling needsrepair or replacement ●      Spotting signs of serious failurevs. cosmetic issues ●      Why modern materials often makethings worse ●      DIY options vs. when to leave itto specialists ●      The pros and cons of differentlime plasters for interiors ●      Myths around steamers, fillers,and patching old ceilings ●      What goes wrong when corners arecut ●      What not to do with cracked or sagging ceilings 🛠️ Whether you're dealing with acrumbling Victorian ceiling or just curious about traditional internalfinishes, this is packed with insight. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode:👉 Expertible– 1:1 video consultations with independent heritage professionals👉 Stephen Boniface Associates – Chartered building surveyorand conservation specialist 📌 Who is this for?Homeowners of older UK properties, tradespeople working with traditionalbuildings, and anyone interested in practical conservation. 🎬 Don’t miss our full lime mortar series – Watch the full playlist here Contents 00:00             Introduction 00:54             Sean’s background 04:07             Worshipful Company of Plaisterers 05:45             Apprentices 07:13             Working at distance from home 08:30             Ceiling constructions and laths 11:53             Choosing riven or sawn laths 13:35             Application and fixing of laths 18:21             Gaps between laths 19:49             Reed as a backing 23:03             Board backings 24:41             Earth plasters 27:07             Identifying ceiling constructions 28:19             Dealing with cracks and discussionabout hair 33:17             Patching ceilings 34:13             Checking the soundness of a ceiling 37:10             Repairing lath and plaster 41:41             Causes of ceiling failures 46:28             Lime plaster mixes 50:19             Hot lime mortar mixes 51:26             Hydrated (bagged) lime 53:04             Using plasterboard 55:29             Overboarding a ceiling 58:27             Concluding comments 59:18             Outro

    1 hr

  6. 08/17/2025

    Up High: How Rope Access Protects Historic Buildings – Talking Conservation with Steve Hogarth

    In this follow-up episode of Talking Conservation, we’re back with Steve Hogarth – SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access – to dive deeper into how conservation really happens at height.From blocked gutters and cracked coping stones to wildlife nests and fragile leadwork, Steve shares what really goes on when you're dangling from ropes on cathedrals, castles, and churches – and why rope access can offer major advantages over traditional scaffolding.We explore:• What rope access actually is and when it’s used• Real-world examples of unexpected issues found at height• Why hands-on surveys can reveal more than drones or binoculars• The most common (and preventable) problems that damage old buildings• How rope access enables small, cost-effective repairs that prevent bigger failures• What makes rope access viable (or not) for domestic buildings• Why it’s an essential part of modern conservation practiceWhether you’re a homeowner, architect, or heritage professional, this episode offers unique insight into how careful, targeted intervention at height can extend the life of historic buildings.👉 https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/👉https://www.instagram.com/highlife_rope_access/👉https://www.facebook.com/HIGHLIFEROPEACCESS/👉 Subscribe to our channel for future episodes on building conservation, heritage homes, and expert advice.👉 Book a consultation with us for 1-1 advice on managing your historic home on www.expertible.com👉 Professionals involved in working on or with historic, traditional, or listed buildings may want 1-2-1 mentoring and/or training with Stephen. Visit his website at www.beconservation.com#talkingconservation #traditionalbuildings #buildingconservation #historicbuildingrestoration #traditionalconstructionmaterials #limemortar #preservingarchitecturalheritage #listedbuildings #heritageprotection #historichomes #traditionalhomes #restorationtips #homerestoration #architecturalheritage #historicmaterials #highliferopeaccess

    29 min

  7. 08/08/2025

    Lime Mortar Details That Matter – Drip Detailing, Exposure & High-Level Repairs

    What’s the biggest threat to your historic building? Water. In this special episode of Talking Conservation, we’re joined by Steve Hogarth — SPAB Fellow, heritage mason, and rope access conservator with Highlife Rope Access — to explore how the smallest details up high can make the biggest difference to your building’s long-term health. We dig into: - Why effective drip detailing is critical to keeping water off your building - What causes damage when high-level details are missing or poorly repaired - Sky-facing joints and how they differ from vertical surfaces - How to assess and choose the right lime mortar mix for exposed locations - The overlooked genius of traditional detailing (like string courses, throatings & hood moulds) - When to use NHL, hot lime, or natural cements- Why small targeted maintenance can prevent costly full-scale repairs - Real-world insight from Steve’s rope access conservation work on churches and historic buildings This is an essential listen for homeowners, tradespeople, or professionals working with older or listed buildings. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Drips and throatings 06:44 Impact of the Grand Tour 07:35 Umbrellas for buildings! 09:13 Clogged details and past rebuilding 10:28 Water pathways and identifying problems 12:59 Stephen's anecdote about finding a leak 15:01 Stopping water getting in 16:54 Junctions between materials 17:38 Choice of material for repair 19:56 Mortar mixes for exposed areas 24:38 Dealing with coastal locations 27:21 Ongoing maintenance 29:04 Limewashing or covering and changing exposed elevations 31:08 Shedding and sky-facing surfaces 35:02 Concluding comments 35:54 Outro 👉 High Life Rope Access: https://www.highliferopeaccess.com/ 👉 Need expert 1:1 advice for your traditional or historic home?Book a video consultation with an independent specialist at www.expertible.com 🎓 Professionals wanting mentoring or training with Stephen Boniface? Visit www.beconservation.com 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on lime, building conservation, materials, and expert insights from tradespeople working at the sharp end.

    36 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    Understanding Substrates in Older Homes – Lime Mortar Series Bonus Episode

    Before choosing your lime mortar or plaster, you need to understand your substrate. In this bonus episode of Talking Conservation, Stephen and Rich explore the importance of knowing what's behind or beneath your mortar; from soft handmade bricks and old stone to chalk walls and cob. Whether you're repointing, plastering, or rendering, understanding the substrate is critical to choosing the right mix and achieving long-lasting results. We cover: - What a “substrate” actually means in traditional buildings - Common types found in historic homes (brick, stone, cob, timber) - How substrate affects your lime choice and application - Assessing problems and indicators of hidden issues - Mistakes to avoid when applying lime to inappropriate surfaces - Decision making, such as when to strip inappropriate materials - Key questions to ask before starting any conservation work When to call in the professionals - Keeping a record ▶️ Whether you're a homeowner or a professional working with heritage buildings, this video helps you avoid common issues and build with confidence. 👉 New to the Lime Series? Start here: Ep.1: The Lime Cycle Explained – How lime is made and reabsorbs CO₂ Ep.2: Lime Mortar Types Explained – Key differences between air lime, NHL, pozzolans & more Ep.3 Part.1: Which Lime to Use? – Mortars for pointing & bedding in older buildings Ep.3 Part 2: Which Lime to Use? - Plasters and Renders Ep.3 Part.3: High Exposure Areas & Floors – Using lime in chimneys, ridges, parapets, and floors 🔔 Subscribe for upcoming episodes on more specialist areas 📞 For 1-to-1 advice or a consultation, visit: www.expertible.com 💼 Professionals: Training & mentoring available at www.beconservation.com #TalkingConservation #SubstratesExplained #LimeMortar #BuildingConservation #OldHouseDIY #HistoricHomes #TraditionalMaterials #LimePlaster #problemsolving #decisionmaking #professional help #heritageskills #limerender #lathandplaster #historictimberframes Chapters00:00:00 – 00:00:50 Introduction00:00:50 - 00:02:23 What is a substrate?00:02:23 - 00:03:33 Flint00:03:33 - 00:05:22 Stone00:05:22 - 00:05:31 Cob and earth00:05:31 - 00:06:12 Wattle and Daub, lath and plaster00:06:12 - 00:06:56 Multiple substrates00:06:56 - 00:08:24 Behaviour of substrates (the science bit!)00:08:24 - 00:09:43 Timber00:09:43 - 00:10:57 Absorbency and moisture performance00:10:57 - 00:14:25 Cement render on timber frame (case study)00:14:25 - 00:16:34 Assessing problems and key indicators00:16:34 – 00:19:48 Delamination and hammer testing00:19:48 – 00:23:02 Decision making00:23:02 – 00:24:43 Should I remove cement render/pointing?00:24:43 – 00:26:36 Have I got layers of material?00:26:36 – 00:27:46 A judgement call and bringing in professionals00:27:46 – 00:28:52 Substrate preparation00:28:52 - 00:30:43 Wetting down surfaces 00:30:43 – 00:32:05 Plaster coats00:32:05 – 00:34:56 Use of hair in mixes00:34:56 – 00:39:25 Controlling the ‘set’00:39:25 – 00:40:14 Lath and plaster00:40:14 – 00:41:33 Dealing with modern interventions00:41:33 – 00:46:37 Removing modern material00:46:37 – 00:49:30 Surface finishes00:49:30 – 00:55:58 Changing aesthetics and appearance00:55:58 – 00:56:56 Key message – understand the building00:56:56 – 00:58:27 The importance of keeping a record00:58:27 – 00:59:11 Future episodes00:59:11 – 00:59:48 Expertible00:59:48 – 01:00:05 Close01:00:05 – 01:00:28 Outro

    1 hr
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About

Welcome to Talking Conservation, where we talk about all things related to our built heritage. Whether you own an historic building, are responsible for a heritage site, or are a professional consultant, contractor, or simply interested - this is the place to find out more. We discuss various matters and conduct interviews with a wide range of people involved with our heritage in some way. This includes architects, surveyors, archaeologists, conservation officers, contractors, conservators, historians ... the list goes on. We are interested in and talk about any aspect of heritage; not only listed buildings, but all older and traditionally constructed buildings and anything that could be considered a heritage site. Stephen's Heritage Conservation Community information can be found here: https://beconservation.com/heritage-conservation-community Rich's platform putting owners in touch with consultants can be found here: https://expertible.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephen Boniface and Rich Alesbury
  • Show Website
    Talking Conservation

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