Am I in a Conservation Area? You Need to Know & Why It Matters

Designated as areas of social, architectural, and cultural importance, identifying conservation areas is not just about defining historical dwellings. The idea behind designating the whole area as a conservation area is to preserve and enhance the surrounding environment within which such structures/dwellings are present.

What Does it Mean to Live in a Conservation Area?

Living in a conservation area means you are surrounded by heritage, history, pedigree, and endearing aesthetics. It is indeed magnificent. But along with all those, along with the historic charm and beauty also come obligations.

As a resident of a conservation area, you are required to act in accordance with the guidelines and rules. A local council is responsible for preserving the character and integrity of that area by means of rules & restrictions that guard the interest and integrity of those areas. Any form of violation of the rules will warrant stringent legal and penal action by the respective local authority.

It is hence critical of any resident to have thorough knowledge & understanding of the conservation area and thereby be respectful and remain obliged towards preserving its aesthetic and architectural integrity.

Alterations to your House

Planning for a house alteration in a conservation area is scrutinised by special planning factors devised to preserve the area in question. Though minor interior enhancements are allowed under permitted development, there is a bar beyond which most alterations are not permitted.

• If any unlisted building is planned for demolition and exceeds 115 cubic mtrs in volume does warrant planning permission
• Demolition of gates, walls, fences that go beyond 1m and are at immediate next to a highway, warrants planning permission
• Single storey extensions should not extend 3m beyond the rear wall
• Single storey extensions should not extend 4m beyond the rear wall for detached houses
• Two storey extensions are not permitted development at conservation areas
• Roof extensions are not permitted development
• Side extensions are not permitted development
• Wraparound extensions are not permitted development
• Outbuildings, garages are not permitted development
• Satellite dishes, antennas, chimneys or vents facing the street is not permitted development
• Cladding materials should be of similar appearance to that of the original, else any form of cladding (eg. stone, timber, tiles, plastic pebble etc.) is not permitted development.
• Solar panels that extend beyond 150mm to the front roof are not permitted development
• Cutting of trees or shrubs is not permitted
• Replacing original windows and doors is not permitted development
• Painting the bays or facades including that of doors and window frames that results in an alteration in colour is not permitted development

The English Heritage Trust, a voluntary organisation is helping local authorities by advising them on directions from Article 4. The trust has been active in preserving hundreds of historic monuments, listed buildings and places of architectural and aesthetic significance across the UK.

Article 3 directions may grant power to the local authority for the removal of permitted development citing adverse environmental impact. Article 4 upholds the power of planning authorities to scrutinise for unrestricted or extensive use of permitted development which may damage the integrity of the conservation area.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) suggests the implementation of Article 4 directions even to the minutest of geographies which invites certain threat that may harm the cause of a conservation area.

Note: Article 4 directions are only limited to residential dwellings and are not applicable for commercial properties as commercial properties entail an entirely varied planning rules & restriction.

Am I In a Conservation Area?

To check whether you live in a conservation area or whether the property you have already purchased is in a conservation area, the simple task is to verify with your local authority or borough planner. A local authority can verify intricate details about the design specifications for a conservation area by referring to Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This is more effective and detailed.

Local authority searches through the web facilitate the identification of conservation areas by means of postal code.

You can also ask the facilitator or the agent who mediated in purchasing the house in the area.

Conclusion:

Do not let planning restrictions and limitations cloud your mind and impede the idea of building or purchasing a house in a conservation area. There is an advantage of a much-cherished locality that for centuries and decades has been upholding the heritage and pedigree of the UK. Relish the idea of high-quality homes in a serene environment; you are going to be a part of it.

If you are currently planning a house purchase in a conservation area or are building one, a good start is to visit the local authority and extract details relevant to your borough or area. If you are in the middle of altering/extending a portion of your house, make sure you are in contact with a structural engineer.

The drawings and drafts from your structural engineer need to be of the highest standard as this is for a conservation area and will be up for strict scrutiny.

House planning in a conservation area can be tricky and daunting. At Extension Architecture, we regularly deal with many cases that come under the jurisdiction of a conservation area and have helped clients ease pass the most intricate planning permission conundrums. We specialise in bestowing the accurate information at any given point in time in view of the evolving regulations and permissions that affect conservation areas.