Buying A Home In A Conservation Area
Conveyancing Solicitor, Michelle Rock discusses buying a home in a conservation area….
The idea of historic conservation areas was originally proposed by June Hargreaves, a town planner from York, in her 1964 book ‘Historic Buildings- Problems Of Their Preservation’. In the book she critiqued the idea that historic buildings should be replaced with modern buildings as this would be detrimental to the identity of historic towns.
What Is A Conservation Area?
Conservation areas exist to protect nature sites, areas of countryside and special architectural and historic places of interest. Conservation areas are granted special status because of their natural and cultural importance and features that make it unique and distinctive.
If you live in a conservation area you need to be aware that there will be some extra planning controls and restrictions on activities and development, which are most likely to affect owners who want to carry out work to their property. This can include replacing windows and doors, alerting gutters and downpipes and obtaining permission for extensions.
In addition, if you want to cut down, top or lop any but the smallest of trees in a conservation area you must notify your Local Planning Authority six weeks before work begins. The authority will then consider the contribution the tree makes to the character of the area and if necessary, create a Tree Preservation Order to protect it.
If you live in a conservation area and you want to demolish your building, you will need Planning Permission. If the building is listed, you will also need Listed Building Consent.
People value conservation areas for their distinctiveness, visual appeal and historic character. Research has found that this value is reflected in the price of properties in conservation areas.
How Can Timms Help?
You can find out if your property is in a conservation area by contacting your Local Planning Authority. Should you instruct us in a purchase, the Local Search we carry out will reveal whether the property is in a conservation area and we shall advise you accordingly with the information you require.
For expert advice on moving home visit our Conveyancing page or contact Michelle Rock on 01530 546698 or alternatively email legal@timms-law.com.
August 2023