5 essential facts to consider when purchasing a home within a protected natural zone
Living in Conservation Areas: Understanding the Planning Regulations
Living in a conservation area in England comes with its own set of unique planning regulations and restrictions. These measures are designed to protect the historic and architectural character of these areas, ensuring they maintain their special charm and heritage value.
Firstly, homeowners should be aware that planning permission is generally required for most alterations or extensions that would normally be permitted development elsewhere. This includes changes to windows, doors, roof lights, solar panels, external painting, fences, new parking spaces, and outbuildings.
In addition, Article 4 Directions are often applied in conservation areas to withdraw certain permitted development rights. This means homeowners must obtain planning permission for specific works such as altering a front elevation or removing boundary walls. There is no fee for applications required solely due to an Article 4 Direction.
Restrictions on garden buildings are also in place. Garden sheds or summer houses usually require planning permission in conservation areas. Limits on size and location apply, for example, outbuildings must be small (no larger than 10m² if more than 20m from the house in conservation areas) and behind the principal elevation of the house to avoid permission.
Trees in conservation areas are protected. It is an offence to carry out work on trees without notifying the local planning authority, which may impose Tree Preservation Orders giving significant protection.
However, some works may be allowed under the general permitted development order in conservation areas if they are not deemed too disruptive. Thomas Goodman, a construction expert at MyJobQuote, notes this point.
When considering buying a home in a conservation area, it's important to be aware of the trade-offs. Owning a property in a sought-after area may require compromising on house size due to the extra planning controls in place.
Homes in conservation areas are often more expensive due to their desirability, as stated by James Shaw, director of buying agency Prime Purchase. Shaw joined Prime Purchase in 2015 after working for two national property agencies.
To navigate the complexities of buying in a conservation area, Thomas Goodman advises consulting local authority guidelines and using experienced architects and planning consultants. This will help ensure that any proposed changes meet the necessary regulations and preserve the area's historical character.
- When building an extension for your home in a conservation area, you'll need to obtain a permit as most alterations require planning permission.
- In these zones, altering a front elevation or removing boundary walls may require a permit due to Article 4 Directions.
- Even garden buildings like sheds or summer houses may need a permit, with size and location restrictions in place.
- It's crucial to remember that trees in conservation areas are protected, and work on them without notification can result in penalties.
- Despite some restrictions, certain works might be allowed under the general permitted development order, provided they are not disruptive.
- Potential homebuyers should be aware of the trade-offs, as properties in conservation areas can be more expensive due to their desirability.
- To make an informed decision when investing in a home in a conservation area, consider consulting local authority guidelines and hire experienced architects and planning consultants.
- While living in a conservation area can pose challenges in terms of planning and budget, the unique lifestyle and heritage value it offers make it an attractive option for many in home-and-garden and real-estate markets.
