Emma Healey, Senior Heritage Planner at Cheffins explains conservation areas, and the pros and cons of living in one.
"A conservation area is an area which is protected and managed in order to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of a place or the features that make it unique. There are around 10,000 conservation areas in England located in villages, towns and cities.
With this added protection it can sometimes feel daunting when buying a property, so what does it mean and what are the pros and cons of living in a conservation area?"
Pros
"Conservation areas are designated for their distinctive character which can be one of the main draws for potential buyers. The planning controls placed over the area can help to preserve the area’s integrity and what makes it unique. This means there will be resistance to change that may damage the attractive qualities of the area such as loss of green spaces, the demolition of distinctive buildings and new development which does not reference and respond to the area.
Conservation areas are often favourable locations when people are looking to buy and settle down as they are often perceived to be attractive and well-managed places to live. The areas are also unlikely to degenerate given the safeguarding and protections in place. As a result of this, the prices of houses in conservation areas have been proven to remain stable throughout periods of economic uncertainty. Whilst it may take more initial upfront costs, investing in a property within a conservation area can give you more stability for future appreciation of value."
Cons
"Whilst restrictions can help to preserve what is significant about a place, they can be frustrating to homeowners looking to make changes to their property.
Conservation areas do not have the same permitted development rights afforded to properties outside the boundary. This means that you will need to apply for planning permission for certain works that would otherwise be able to done without permission. This includes works such as two-storey extensions, dormer windows and changes to use classes, for example from agricultural to dwelling houses.
Conservation Areas may also be subject to Article 4 Directions which are special location and building specific controls which restrict certain alteration works including replacing windows, doors and painting the exterior of a building. You can check your local council’s website to find out whether your property has an Article 4 Direction.
Trees are also afforded additional protection within conservation areas which means permission needs to be granted for the cutting down, uprooting, lopping or topping of trees in a conservation area with a trunk diameter of over 7.5cm."
To conclude
"Whilst these extra restrictions may seem limiting, they do not mean that change is prohibited within a conservation area. Restrictions are used to promote the local character and what’s important about a place, resulting in better designed alterations, renovations and new development. Whilst not for everyone, living in a conservation area allows homeowners to be immersed in the distinctive character of a place and feel part of our nations heritage.
When purchasing a property, it is likely that the description given by the estate agent will state whether it is in a conservation area. If you are unsure, you can check this through your Local Planning Authority website which will have maps of the local conservation areas."
For further information, contact Emma Healey on 01223 609747, emma.healey@cheffins.co.uk