Domestic alarm system on listed cottage

[AMichael]

Hello!
First time poster here. Me and my wife are currently going through the process of buying a 17th century Grade II listed cottage and we’ve noticed it currently doesn’t have any home alarm system.

Obviously we’re very keen to make the house a little more secure but I’ve just been reading up on the complex process of LBC.

If we opted for a wireless alarm system, that doesn’t require a siren or box outside - and so consisted of just door sensors and notifications to our phone - is it likely we’d still need listed building consent?

 

[Cubist]

Is this cottage in a rural setting and not within and village?

 

[AMichael]

It’s in a village but I’d say it’d still be considered rural. It’s a terraced cottage with two other cottages on the row

 

[Cubist]

I asked because had yours been like ours - middle of nowhere, nearest neighbour 75 yards away 80+ years of age and stone deaf - an alarm system can be rather pointless. In fact it could be dangerous insofar that had my nearest neighbour noticed anything he would most likely have come over to investigate while toting a double barrel shotgun - that would not be safe for anyone.

What kind of roof does your cottage have? Some insurers get a little antsy about alarm systems where thatched roofs are concerned. Another consideration is where the local police station is, whether it is manned during the night and how often the regular patrols come through the village. The Building Control people will provide some guidance regarding the types of acceptable bell-boxes, if any, but be ready for a fee. Come what may you would have to leave keys with reliable neighbours who could deactivate the alarm in your absence - otherwise you won't be welcome in the village pub.

 

[Flyfisher]

With the possible exception of an externally visible bell/siren box (itself a possible 'advert' that the propery may contain valuables of possible interest to ne'er-do-wells) , I'd be very surprised if LBC was required to install a wireless system. Such a system should be completely reversible with no damage or destruction of original fabric so why would LBC be required?

 

[AMichael]

Hi guys thanks for your replies!
I never thought about how an alarm system - or certainly the external box - could actually have the opposite affect and draw attention to miscreants! I guess we want the system for our own piece of mind really, but thought a wireless system that sends notifications to our phone (as opposite to a siren) is unlikely to need LPC because everything can be put back and nothing will be on the external wall
Thanks for all your help!

 

[Kathy]

Hello!
First time poster here. Me and my wife are currently going through the process of buying a 17th century Grade II listed cottage and we’ve noticed it currently doesn’t have any home alarm system.

Obviously we’re very keen to make the house a little more secure but I’ve just been reading up on the complex process of LBC.

If we opted for a wireless alarm system, that doesn’t require a siren or box outside - and so consisted of just door sensors and notifications to our phone - is it likely we’d still need listed building consent?

 

[Cubist]

Did you have a question Kathy?

 

[Mrs McG]

IMO you should be fine from a LBC perspective as long as you’re not removing any original fabric of the building and the change you’re making could be considered ‘temporary’ i.e. is reversible. A wi-fi home alarm system meets both criteria.

From another perspective, I was a volunteer with local police for several years and learned that no alarm system will ever deter someone who is determined to get into your property. The only thing that stands a chance of deterring thieves is a dog. An alarm might, however, help with your premiums especially if you have high value contents!

 

[lizziecupcakes]

It’s in a village but I’d say it’d still be considered rural. It’s a terraced cottage with two other cottages on the row

Does the village have good internet? When i lived in a village there was awful internet access. Would a wireless alarm system function well?

 

[my_name_is_slim_daisy]

I’ve actively been looking at both wireless and wired alarm systems (HKC, Pyronix, Texecom etc etc).

For a wireless system it seems it’s simply screwing sensors into the wall or contacts/shock sensors on to wooden frames. Really doesn’t appear to be very intrusive at all (but I know nothing about LBC).

If your goal is to self monitor and there are no requirements from an insurer, then you could consider a wireless system like Pyronix - you do have to pay a small annual subscription to monitor the system yourself via an app. I’ve also been looking a Ring system where you just dot around several battery or plug-powered cameras, and again pay a subscription to have footage recorded to cloud and/or motion sensor notifications sent via the Ring app.

But like @lizziecupcakes mentioned having good wifi is a must. Or you’d have to consider falling back onto a 4G connection (which is an add-on component).