Piece Regen has successfully challenged Historic England’s listing description for the Oliver Buildings in Barnstaple.

The Grade II listed former Shapland and Petter factory was built in 1888 according to the designs of local architect William Clement Oliver. The factory produced Arts and Crafts style furniture and Shapland and Petter flourished in the years following its construction establishing showrooms just off Oxford Street in London and selling through a wide network of retailers.

The factory was built following a devastating fire which completely destroyed Shapland and Petter’s previous premises and accordingly, in addition to their architectural and historical interest, the Oliver Buildings are also listed for their technological interest due to “the innovative combination of fireproof and fire-retardant construction, compartmentalisation and a sprinkler system”.

Following the successful challenge, the updated listing description now omits various later additions to the buildings and some of the former internal fabric. The revised listing description will provide crucial flexibility to allow for the sustainable reuse of the Oliver Buildings.