What are conservation areas and why do they matter for home renovations?

We’re sure that you’ve heard of listed buildings and that it can make it more challenging to carry out renovations on a property if it has listed status, but have you heard of conservation areas and do you understand what it means for your home improvement plans if your home falls within one?

According to Historic England, conservation areas can be established to manage and protect the architectural and/or historical features of a place that make it unique. There are around 10,000 conservation areas in England alone.

Here in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, we have 48 conservation areas, which means that the council has determined that the particular character of the buildings in these areas is valuable and therefore needs to be protected.

Examples of conservation areas in our region include Westbourne in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs Village in Poole, Mudeford Quay in Christchurch, Boscombe Spa and Southbourne Grove. If you own a property in one of these, or any of the other conservation areas as designated by BCP Council, the kind of minor work you are allowed to carry out without planning permission is more limited than elsewhere.

Here at Bournemouth Constructions, we are well-versed in what rules and regulations apply within the conservation areas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, so we can help advise you about how best to proceed with your project.

Generally speaking, however, conservation areas focus on preserving the external appearance of buildings. This means you might need special permission to change features like doors, windows or even guttering in your home.

Typically, however, conservation area status won’t affect what you are able to do internally, so you can carry out home improvement projects, such as fitting a new kitchen to your home in Christchurch or refurbishing your bathroom in Bournemouth without needing special permission.

If your home is located within a conservation area, projects such as roof alterations, extensions and fitting cladding will often require planning permission rather than being allowed as a permitted development (which is the case for properties not situated within conservation areas).

Trees on your property can also be subject to special protections within conservation areas, so it is always best to check what regulations apply where you live before making any substantial alterations to your garden, as well as the external appearance of your home.

Here at Bournemouth Constructions, we are passionate about building work and are happy to work within the restrictions a conservation area may enforce. Of course, this is what makes these parts of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch so desirable, so it makes sense to protect their character for all to enjoy.

If you would like to speak to us about your home renovation project, and would like our advice on how best to proceed if your property is within a conservation area, get in touch and speak to a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team today.

We are always happy to share advice when we can and, if we don’t know the answer to your query about conservation areas, planning permission or any other legality, our affiliate architect will be in a position to help. Let us deal with the technicalities – our extended team is on hand to help you plan your home renovation project.

Lindemann Constructions  High Vis
Previous
Previous

What home improvements can help you save on energy bills?

Next
Next

Top eco-friendly home improvements revealed!