If you’re on the lookout for architecture firms in London because you’re considering a home improvement project like a house renovation or extension, you likely understand the importance of having the right expertise on your side. Tackling any construction work in London can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time engaging an architect.
To help you manage this process, our team at Detailed Planning has pulled together a useful guide that covers everything you need to know about successfully hiring a residential architect in London. From articulating your vision to managing the build, we’ve included some top tips to help you efficiently and economically transform your home. With this guidance, you can achieve results that truly reflect you and your individual needs.
What Is A Conservation Area?
Conservation areas are special places recognised for their architectural or historical significance, and they need management to maintain their unique character. Each local authority in England has at least one conservation area. The rules for these areas are designed to protect the qualities that make them stand out. Most local authorities offer additional planning guidance that details what needs to be considered in each specific area.
Typically, a local authority designates a conservation area, although Historic England can also create one in London if they consult with the Secretary of State. About 1,000 of England’s 10,000 conservation areas are located in Greater London; in some boroughs like Islington, Westminster, Kensington, and Chelsea, very few streets aren’t part of a conversation area.
North London Boroughs With Conservation Areas
There are a large number of existing conservation areas within North London that are under conservation. This could be an area identified by the local authority as having a definite architectural quality or historic interest to merit designation (NPPF paragraph 197). Conservation areas are normally designated by the local planning authority.
Conservation Area Rules
It’s really essential to find out early on if your property is in a conservation area, especially when starting any project. Whether you’re thinking about building a new home or making updates to an existing one, the location matters a lot for the planning process.
Living in a conservation area means that there are specific considerations for not just the buildings but also paths, boundaries, materials, and how the streets are laid out. So, any changes to these elements should be considered very carefully during the design phase.
The conservation appraisal guidelines often include a section discussing the local building materials. If your design considers these materials, you’re more likely to get approval during the planning stage.
Local Authority Support
Working with the local authority can be beneficial because it demonstrates that you’ve thoughtfully planned your project. This often leads to helpful feedback and makes the planning process easier. You can engage with them through pre-application advice, which comes in different forms. This can include written comments, follow-up letters or even face-to-face meetings with a local planning officer.
You Must Get Consent!
If you’re planning to completely or significantly demolish buildings in a conservation area, you’ll need to get consent first. If your application is turned down, you have six months to appeal the decision. Alternatively, your architect can revise the plans and submit them for approval again. BUT with an architect like Detailed Planning with just under 20 years of experience working in and around North London, you can be sure that their connections and professional expertise will get you where you need to go faster than most.
However, you don’t need consent to knock down small structures under 115 cubic metres. You can also remove walls, gates, or fences less than 1 metre high next to a road or less than 2 metres high elsewhere in the conservation area without needing permission.
Keep in mind that the trees with a trunk diameter greater than 75mm, measured 1.5 metres above the ground, are protected in conservation areas. If you want to carry out work on these trees, you must notify the local planning authority six weeks in advance. This notice allows them to decide if they need to issue a protection order for the trees.
Can You Extend Your House In a Conservation Area?
In a conservation area, homeowners usually lose some of their permitted development rights because of a specific planning rule known as an Article 4 Direction. If this rule has been put in place where you are, you’ll need to get planning permission for any house extensions you want to make.
Making An Application In A Conservation Area
When it comes to planning applications in a conservation area, the process is quite similar to any other application. However, a conservation officer from the local council usually plays a bigger role in this process, and getting their input can greatly enhance your chances of success. It’s beneficial to refer to the local conservation area appraisal document, which outlines the area’s history and character and demonstrates how your design aligns with it.
It is also crucial to make your design clear and appealing. This can be achieved through well-thought-out design drawings and models that clearly convey your idea. Additionally, every planning application in a conservation area needs a document known as a design and access statement.
At Detail Planning, you can count on us to be thorough with every design we create. From the initial feasibility survey through to the planning and presentation stages, we pay close attention to detail to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Thats Why An Architect You Can Trust Is So Beyond Important!
There is no central database for conservation areas that you can check for your property. So, your architect will need to contact the local council to find out if your property is in one of these areas. Sometimes, this information can be found on the specific London borough’s website, which may also include maps of conservation areas and documents that explain their important features and the guidelines for protecting them.
Living in a conservation area can positively impact the design of new buildings. These areas are meant to keep the unique character that makes a neighbourhood special. At Detail Planning, we always check the conservation area appraisal document early in the process, as it provides important details about what the local authorities in North London want.
Our architects also ensure that your design ideas are clearly represented using models, either computer-generated or physical ones. Our design proposals will always be of exceptional quality and show a genuine commitment to preserving or improving the conservation area.
Get in touch today to discuss your ideas and make your dream a reality!
