Essential Facts to Consider When Purchasing a Home Within a Protected Ecological Zone
In the heart of England lie areas of exceptional architectural and historic interest, known as conservation areas. These areas, which are home to a significant number of properties, are subject to stricter planning controls compared to other regions. James Shaw, the director of buying agency Prime Purchase, joined the company in 2015 and offers unbiased, independent advice to clients navigating these controls.
Homes in conservation areas are subject to stricter planning controls due to their unique character and historical significance. While some permitted development rights apply nationally, many common home improvements require planning permission to protect these areas' special architectural and historic interest.
Planning permission is often required for alterations, extensions, and garden buildings like sheds or summer houses, which might be allowed without permission elsewhere. Permitted development rights may be restricted or removed in conservation areas by local councils using an Article 4 Direction, meaning more types of work need planning permission.
The council must be notified six weeks before pruning or felling trees in a conservation area. For listed buildings within conservation areas, any alteration affecting the building’s character requires Listed Building Consent in addition to planning permission; this includes internal and external work. Restrictions also often apply to materials and design to ensure any work is in keeping with the historic environment.
Some types of extensions, loft conversions, or other works may still be permitted development, but they are subject to more stringent size, height, and design limits than outside conservation areas. Homeowners should always check with the local planning authority for specific guidance as local policies, restrictions, and Article 4 Directions vary across different conservation areas.
Living in a conservation area brings advantages at the level of your local environment but comes at the price of extra restrictions on some aspects of what you can do with your home. Thomas Goodman, construction expert at MyJobQuote, advises using experienced architects and planning consultants in conservation areas. Getting the planning permission application right the first time is important in conservation areas.
Owning a property in a sought-after area may require compromising on house size, as some works may be allowed under the general permitted development order in conservation areas if they are not deemed too disruptive. However, it's important to be aware of the trade-off before buying a home in a conservation area.
James Shaw combines local knowledge with professional contacts across five counties, providing valuable insights for those looking to purchase property in these areas. He emphasises the importance of understanding the planning controls in place and working with experienced professionals to ensure a smooth buying and development process.
- Homes in conservation areas need to adhere to stricter planning controls due to their unique character and historical significance.
- Planning permission is often required for alterations, extensions, and garden buildings like sheds or summer houses in these areas.
- Local councils can restrict permitted development rights in conservation areas using Article 4 Direction, increasing the need for planning permission.
- The council must be notified six weeks before pruning or felling trees in a conservation area, and alterations to listed buildings require Listed Building Consent as well as planning permission.
- Standards for materials and design in conservation areas aim to ensure work maintains the area's historic environment.
- Some extensions, loft conversions, or other works may still be considered permitted development, but with stricter size, height, and design limits than in other areas.
- When living in a conservation area, homeowners should work with experienced architects and planning consultants to ensure the planning permission application is successful.
- Those looking to purchase property in conservation areas should understand the planning controls in place and work with someone like James Shaw, who has local knowledge and professional connections to streamline the buying and development process.
