How to apply for a grant

Could you be eligible for a Townscape Heritage (TH) grant?

  • do you own or lease a property within the TH area?
  • is your property identified as a priority in the TH area?
  • would you like to improve it?
  • if you are a leaseholder, do you hold a lease of 10 years or more?
  • could you make a financial contribution towards a grant?

If you answer yes to all these questions, you could be eligible for a grant of up to:

75% for external repairs or architectural reinstatement such as sash windows and traditional shopfronts.

Or if your property involves bringing floor space back into use, you could be eligible for a grant rate of an average of 50%.

First steps

Familiarise yourself with the background information in the introduction.

Define your project

Identify the works that include one or more of the following headings:

Also indicate if your project is to include elements of new build.

If you are eligible, please complete an expression of interest form with the assistance of the Townscape Heritage (TH) Manager.

You will then be advised whether or not you could potentially qualify for a grant.

Next steps

Select an architect or surveyor to oversee a scheme for you, which will include:

  • submitting a planning or building notice application
  • detailed design and specification for eligible works
  • assisting you to identify and procure a contractor
  • appointing a contractor
  • overseeing works
  • authorising payments
  • managing and ensuring final completion

The architect must be registered with a professional body such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), or the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and must have the conservation experience to prepare drawings and specifications of work. You may prefer to appoint a surveyor. If so, they must be registered with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

Once you have selected an architect, inform the TH Manager with their details of conservation experience and expertise. Once the TH Manager has confirmed the architect is eligible, you should obtain a quote for architectural services. The TH Manager will provide you with an overview of services required to undertake the grant. Once the fee quote has been approved by the TH Manager, you can appoint the architect.

Making an application

When an appropriate scheme has been designed, planning permission has been obtained (if necessary) and the works have been put to tender, you will need to submit a full grant application for approval along with detailed information about the proposed works. This must include a full set of approved plans, schedule of works and costings. A check list is included in the application form but will generally require:

  • a full specification of works which must include details of materials and a method statement
  • drawings, including annotated plans, elevations and cross section at an appropriate scale
  • photographs of elevations and architectural details
  • a work programme including timescales
  • expenditure profile and cost plan
  • 3 tenders will be required for works over £25,000, and accompanied by a tender summary
  • 3 quotes will be required for works below £25,000

Drawings must be developed in consultation with the Planning Department’s conservation officer and the Townscape Heritage Manager, who can give advice on appropriate materials, techniques for repair, window styles and similar matters. Building regulations and related advice should be sought in accordance with national policies.

The application for the grant will be presented to the Townscape Heritage Partnership Board which consists of senior officers, community and business organisations and Councillors, validated by the Director of Place and Cabinet member. Please allow time for this. The Partnership Board meet quarterly but could convene earlier if required.

Grant agreement

If your application for a grant is accepted, you will be required to enter a grant agreement with Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council which sets out conditions of the grant. This will set out, amongst other matters, the amount of grant you can expect for the project, insurance, key dates for work to start and be completed by, and details of clawback. Please don’t hesitate to contact the TH Manager should you wish to discuss the grant conditions. The agreement will need to be signed by the grant applicant and contractor or agent.

A grant offer letter will be sent to the applicant once the agreement has been signed.

Grant payments

The building works can commence once the offer letter has been received, according to the timescales specified in the grant agreement. The TH manager and Conservation Officer will oversee the works and will be available for advice throughout the whole process.

On prior agreement with the TH manager, invoices can be submitted in stages to the project. Otherwise, the invoices should be submitted once the works have been completed.

The grant applicant must have the financial resources to pay for the work before the grant can be claimed.

The professional advisor will inspect the work on site and issue an endorsed valuation certificate to the grant applicant, who will make all payments.

The grant applicant will need to provide the TH Manager with the valuation certificate and any relevant invoices endorsed by the professional advisor along with evidence that all payments have been made to contractors.

Once these conditions have been met, the TH Manager will make arrangements for the grant payment to be made to the grant applicant.

A sum equal to 10% of the grant will be withheld until the TH Manager is satisfied that all works have been completed to the required standard and has received a copy of the final completion certificate, and the contractor’s final account has been settled.

Further information and assistance

You can contact Peter Haymes, Townscape Heritage Manager, by: