Forum Topic

Glebe Estate conservation area

Why the resistance to a conservation area? A conservation area does not prevent upgrading of properties for energy efficiency or internal changes or back garden changes (except some trees). It simply coordinates the look of public-facing facades, front walls and front windows (and, on the council's side, street furniture, signage, road markings and even kerb stones). Which is surely good for all the properties.  Does anyone really want streets where you see a turreted castle stuck in beside plate glass, beside clashing paint colours? It happens. And I don't think it's retrospective? So if you have a fence and neighbour has a front wall you don't get asked to change.

Liz Hagerty ● 83d5 Comments

Well, experience around here is that getting people to stick to the conservation area requirements can be a real struggle. Especially regarding some businesses who definitely don't want to play nicely, and barge through restrictions on advertising which really are out of place. People really do need to be fully aware of just what the restrictions are before buying a house in such a designated area, otherwise they really do run the risk of annoying their neighbours, and any local amenity societies who exist to protect the character of the area.

Vanessa Smith ● 82d

I am no expert on these matters but I think one loses Permitted Development Rights, so it does affect extensions at the rear of the property. My son has just done up a small house in a conservation area, needing planning approval, and they insisted that the rear of the side extension was set back from the line of the existing outrigger, meaning that there could not be sliding or bifold doors across the back. Even minor alterations to the front would require permission with a hefty fee and a wait for a decision.

Alan Green ● 82d

Also one home with a different roof colour can ruin the look of a whole area.

Janice Evans ● 83d

House colours are kept to a minimum for that reason, although I have seen some horrors a bright pink one for instance, I think you should have to consult with immediate neighbour's before changing the colour of yourproperty, we already do that out of courtesy, I do think it can put off buyers if wanting to sell if you have some awful colour building next door to you.

Janice Evans ● 83d

Talking to a resident who would agree with everything that you say, she claims that the opposition is down to it being a measure to tackle a problem that doesn't exist. The Glebe Estate isn't been blighted by a string of inappropriate building projects and existing planning precedent provides adequate protection. All that a conservation area will do is create more expense and delay for residents wishing to make improvements.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 83d