THOUSANDS of listed building owners could find it easier to make windows more energy efficient under innovative proposals from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.

The districts have thousands of listed properties, but these often suffer from poor energy performance due to factors such as poorly fitting windows and single glazing.

This leads to higher bills for homeowners and is costly for the environment, with Historic England saying that retrofitting historic buildings will be fundamental in achieving net zero.

Owners who want to make upgrades must currently apply to the councils for Listed Building Consent.

But Babergh and Mid Suffolk, working closely with Historic England, will be among the first councils in the country to introduce measures to make sensitive improvements quicker and easier.

The proposals were first announced last year. Following broad support at that stage, detailed plans have since been developed and are now being put out to consultation.

They would mean Grade II listed buildings could have secondary glazing installed on historic windows without needing consent from the council - as long as certain conditions are complied with.

It would also apply to double glazing installed on windows approved and introduced after the property was listed, or which are already installed within a modern extension.

Cllr Sallie Davies, Babergh's cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: "We hope that this order gives a very clear signal to residents and businesses that we take the need to drive down carbon use seriously - and we are prepared to be proactive in achieving this.

"That said, we must strike the right balance. Changes to windows in listed buildings is a sensitive issue, and we are particularly interested to hear whether the scope and conditions of the order retain enough protection through this consultation."

Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, said: "We strongly believe these innovative proposals will encourage more building owners to act proactively, rather than being deterred by the consent process.

"We have worked closely with the likes of Historic England, but are now taking this opportunity to listen to what people think.

"We believe these changes strike the right balance between preserving our heritage assets and making sensitive energy efficiency improvements faster and easier – but we want to hear people's feedback."

The proposals would only apply to Grade II listed buildings - not Grade I and Grade II*.

The consultation period on the proposals runs until 16 July, and comments can be left via the online survey at www.babergh.gov.uk/llbco or www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/llbco