Becoming a conservation area

charlotte_rose

The road I live on is one of three roads not in a conservation area, but is completely surrounded by such areas.

Historically and architecturally, it is odd as it is very similar to those inside designated areas.

In due course I want to canvas residents as to their opinions on whether it would be a good or bad thing to be in one.

I would like to hear views as to your experiences of being in and particularly changing into one, from the perspective of the whole area.

Did you notice any change apart from needing planning permission for more work?

AnotherJoe

Sounds awful witha bunch of busybodies determining what exact shade of green you can paint your house and whether the wooden windows (obviously upvc not allowed) can be larch or oak

Davesnave

AnotherJoe wrote: »

Sounds awful witha bunch of busybodies determining what exact shade of green you can paint your house and whether the wooden windows (obviously upvc not allowed) can be larch or oak

It isn't usually quite like that, although the lady who once painted her front door yellow in Bath's Royal Crescent only just escaped a lynching.....


https://visitbath.co.uk/blog/five-fascinating-facts-about-the-royal-crescent/
(Scroll down)
However one of my relatives, who lives somewhere that became a conservation area in his lifetime, learned first hand just how arbitrary conservation officers' decisions may be. He was extending, and while most of the work was approved, the officer rejected a piece of stone detailing on the grounds that it was not typical of the village.

"Ah," said my relative, "do you know how many houses there are here with this feature?"

The officer admitted he didn't, so he was handed a book, which was the history of every pre-20th century house in the village, complete with photos of them all.

My relative said, "I haven't counted them exactly, but perhaps you'd like to. I know there are many, because I co-authored this book."

The officer declined the offer and left. His decision stood and the detail was removed from the plans. It wasn't a big deal to the member of my family, but I think it was for the 'expert.'

tacpot12

I have a property in a conservation area and my observation is that it significantly increases the costs of maintaining the property. Jobs typically cost twice as much because modern materials and methods cannot be used and additional approvals have to be sought.

I think you approach is right; ask the community whether they want to be a conservation area, but do make it clear to them that when they come to do jobs on their houses, they will pay a price for the 'niceness' of the area.

Nasqueron

Bournville Village Trust is a conservation area - they very strict on the stuff you can do to houses in the boundaries particularly externally - you need permission for things like new windows (no PVC allowed) / doors, loft or garage conversions even a conservatory - even if they are in line with the regulations. You have to submit a 2 page form with copies of the plans of what you want to do and see if they let you do it.

Even something like a broken brick has to be replaced like for like with either a second hand brick or going to specialist suppliers - you must match the colour and texture.

Read the below before you consider going for this.

https://www.bvt.org.uk/publications/bournville-village-conservation-area-design-guide/

PasturesNew

Given a choice I'd rather buy a house in your road then those that are in conservation areas. I'd not wish to make changes/amendments to the house, but, should the need arise, I'd not want my hands tied and have to pay double for whatever work was needed.

It will put future buyers off, so selling will take longer; taking longer that might affect the value of your house.

I'd leave well alone.

In the main, people buying in your road will appreciate the local conservation area and won't be moving there to demolish and build a carbuncle. So you'd get the best of both worlds... freedom if needed, yet people respecting the area.

Davesnave

PasturesNew wrote: »

It will put future buyers off, so selling will take longer; taking longer that might affect the value of your house.

I'd leave well alone.

In the main, people buying in your road will appreciate the local conservation area and won't be moving there to demolish and build a carbuncle. So you'd get the best of both worlds... freedom if needed, yet people respecting the area.

While I'd agree that being just off the edge of a conservation area is a plus, because that was my situation ten years ago, I'm not sure that conservation area properties are always of more limited appeal. The houses behind us sold quickly enough and at good prices.


In the example above, there's no doubt about the demand and price premium people are willing to pay to buy in Bournville Village, though maybe it's a special case.

charlotte_rose

Maybe we do have the best of both worlds living in an enclave but not a conservation area.

We certainly have the pleasantness of those lovely areas and can have some input into them, without the pfaff and cost when coming to our properties.

The houses in and out of the areas are similar in look, price and seem to sell equally.

cattie

I've lived in 2 different conservation areas & what I did find was that it can make it much more appealing to potential buyers when selling & can even add a bit to the asking price.

What I've liked about conservation areas is the knowledge that keeping the character of the properties is key & that no unsightly buildings or extensions are likely to spring up or that nobody can choose to paint their house in gaudy colour. One downside is that any trees in the garden are protected also so you are expected to seek permission from the councils tree officer to have them cut back or removed. Not everybody bothers with this though.

If I ever thought about moving again I'd buy a place in a conservation area again without hesitation.

Nasqueron

Davesnave wrote: »

While I'd agree that being just off the edge of a conservation area is a plus, because that was my situation ten years ago, I'm not sure that conservation area properties are always of more limited appeal. The houses behind us sold quickly enough and at good prices.


In the example above, there's no doubt about the demand and price premium people are willing to pay to buy in Bournville Village, though maybe it's a special case.

Bournville houses do command a premium because of the name/area though even the surrounds have nice houses with parks etc even if we can't buy alcohol inside the trust itself outside of the working man's club and the old club

BVT covers a fairly large area, including houses which may or may not be part of the original Cadbury's worker areas (a long distance from the factory in the Tenant's Conservation Area near Northfield)

System

The street obviously hasn't been included for a reason, has the character of the street changed significantly since the conservation area was established?
I can't imagine you'll get much support from other home owners, if you want a property in the conservation area, buy one, moving in and trying to have a more restrictive planning designation placed on the area is the ultimate nimbyism