Guide to Loft conversions in Conservation Areas

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What is a conservation area?

Within every local authority borough there will geographic pockets of varying sizes (perhaps a cluster of streets, or just one single road) that Council Planners have deemed to be of special interest – either architecturally or historically. As such the Council has decided that the character or appearance of these areas should be preserved or enhanced.

Why do conservation areas exist?

Conservation areas have an architectural or historic distinctness. Now this doesn’t come from just one building or cluster of buildings, but rather how the buildings, roads, architectural nuances, skyline, streets, turnings, ecology and local features all collectively contribute to the overall look and feel of the area.

Can I still have a loft conversion if I live in a conservation area?

Generally speaking, yes. On the assumption that it is technically viable to convert the loft, then you have options open to you. However doing so automatically means that you’ll need to submit a full planning application for your schema, where otherwise a loft conversion would have comfortably fallen under the permitted development remit where seeking planning approval wouldn’t have been required.

How can I increase my chances of success of getting planning permission?

There are some clever ninja-moves that your architectural team can execute in order to overcome a Planner’s potential objections before they have a chance to manifest which will give you a good a chance as any at obtaining that prized planning permission for your loft conversion in a conservation area.

Are you looking for loft conversion plans? Come visit our website, we can help you!

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