What Is A Conservation Area?
A conservation area is an area that’s classed as being of historical or architectural interest to a specific town or area. Due to their historical or architectural interest, they’re usually protected by something called the conservation planning act when it comes to architectural adjustments etc.
While they may possess more restrictions, people who live in these areas should consider themselves lucky to live amongst such history and incredible building work. Having said that, we understand that you may be concerned with regard to whether or not you can carry out a loft conversion in an area of conservation or not. Here’s what you need to know…
Speak To Us About Loft Conversions In Conservation Areas
Planning Permission Within A Conservation Area – Is It Needed?
In short, yes. You will need planning permission for a loft construction in an area of conservation, even if your loft conversion were to fall under permitted development rights outside of this area. This means that regardless of what type of loft conversion you’re carrying out, you’ll need to utilise the services of an architect or better yet, use a company like ours that provides the design and building services in one to provide you with the necessary architectural drawings to submit to your local council office.
By using a service such as ours here at Clapham Construction Service, you’ll benefit from our many years of experience within this exact area. Our teams are familiar with what’s usually accepted and what’s not. We’ll be able to guide you towards a design that’s more likely to be accepted.
If you’re living within a listed building, you’ll also need to apply for something called Listed Building Consent too. Again, this is something our teams will be happy to advise you on and should you proceed, have it in place before construction begins.
If you’re living within a listed building, you’ll also need to apply for something called Listed Building Consent too. Again, this is something our teams will be happy to advise you on and should you proceed, have in place before construction begins.
Are We Limited On Design?
While we’d love to give a definitive answer to this, we simply can’t. This will vary from borough to borough. It’s therefore worthwhile either checking with your local conservation officer or again, speaking with an experienced team such as ours who’ll be able to advise you on this. When it comes to your loft conversion, planning and building officers will be taking note of the changing roof line and its potential impact on the surrounding area.
This should be something to bear in mind when designing your conversion. Ensure you keep things as simple as possible, with, for example, simply skylight or Velux style loft conversions or even mansard loft conversions. This will allow you to enjoy extra square footage indoors while still blending in with the surrounding area.
Contact Clapham Construction Today
If you’d like more information on loft conversions in conservation areas, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Clapham Construction Service. We offer free consultations, during which we can advise you on what is likely to get passed and still provide you with the extra space you need. Call today on 0203 950 7957.
