Q&A: Buying in a conservation area
I'd like to put an offer in on a great property, however it is situated in a conservation area. What are the implications I should consider?
Alex Woodleigh Smith, from Savills suggests:
Conservation areas were created by the Civil Amenities Act of 1967. They are defined as "areas of special architectual or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance."
Councils are solely responsible for deciding where a conservation area should be and very often you will be able to obtain a character profile for the area in which the property of interest lies. A character profile will describe the special interest or appearance of each area and contain broad design guidelines to help efforts to enhance or preserve the conservation area. If you are about to offer on a property that falls within such an area you should first check what the design guidelines are.
If you plan to expand the property you will not only need to obtain the normal planning consents but you may also need 'conservation area consent' - particularly if demolition is involved. You should also be aware that most trees that fall within a conservation are protected and treated in many ways like trees under preservation orders. As a guide you should contact the council before attempting any major work on such trees. If you are in any doubts as to whether what you plan to do to a property is feasible or not you should contact the council and speak to a planning officer or the environmental department for further guidance.
