What is a conservation area?
In the UK, a conservation area is somewhere the local planning authority deems to be of special architectural or historic interest, so the law protects its character or appearance. The idea is to retain the heritage of a region while ensuring any new developments are in keeping with the historic environment.
Clearly, these rules apply to Salisbury and around, as much as they to do to anywhere else.
What restrictions are in place?
If you own a property that falls within a Salisbury conservation area, there are additional planning controls to deal with. For example, in these areas, there may be reduced ‘permitted development’ rights, which let you complete some projects or change the way a building is used without the need to apply to the local planning authority for permission. Common projects under this umbrella include loft conversions, extensions and outbuildings like sheds.
At the same time, in an area like this you may need to apply for planning permission to make external changes to your home that you may not have needed in another location. These include, for example:
- If you want to replace windows
- If you want to fit a satellite dish facing a public highway
- If you’re cutting down a tree with a stem diameter of 75mm or more, or lopping or topping it, your local authority will need a minimum of six weeks’ written notice,
- Councils also have the right to impose Article 4 Directions, which can mean even minor changes, such as changing the front door or painting the outside of the property, need to have the right permission.
What are the rules on renovations?
Strict guidelines are in place concerning materials used, the scale of any renovations and renovating in sympathy with the surrounding historic area. You’ll typically need planning permission for the following:
- Any structural demolition, including of gates and walls.
- Solar panels or roof lights or other roof alternations such as to a chimney.
- Most side or rear extensions of more than one storey need approval.
- Cladding if you’re adding stone, plastic, tile or timber to an exterior wall.
There’s plenty you can do, however, including work indoors such as a new kitchen or bathroom and interior decorating. Equally, simple, routine repairs with like-for-like materials often don’t need permission – although you should always check.
How can I find out whether a property I am viewing falls within a conservation area?
The Wiltshire Council Conservation Areas directory has local maps and will help you verify whether your target property falls within a protected zone.
Meanwhile, the Wiltshire Council Householder Planning Guidelines outline precisely how Article 4 directions apply in your area.
The wider Salisbury area has 70 designated conservation areas, both in the city itself and surrounding historic villages. The former includes the Cathedral Close, the largest of its kind in Britain, featuring some stunning medieval architecture. Other city-centre designated locations include Market Place, some medieval streets, and Fisherton Street with its independent shops and Victorian structures.
Outside the city boundaries, conservation areas include picturesque Harnham village plus the airfield at Old Sarum.
Are there any benefits to buying in a conservation area?
There are, and some of the key elements of hidden value in a property like this are:
- Financial
Homes in conservation areas have distinctive visual appeal and character. So it’s perhaps not surprising that research from the London School of Economics and Historic England revealed that this value is seen in prices across conservation areas. Not only is the price higher, but places appreciate more in value, even after adjustment for location and other elements.
Historic England also found that in rural residential conservation areas, there’s typically a 22% premium compared to similar, non-designated properties. It’s understandable that features such as original brickwork, sash windows and so on add huge value to a place.
- Reduced competition
Homes in conservation areas can often be considered ‘hidden gems’, since some would-be purchasers are put off by the perceived planning red tape if they want to make any changes. So there can be more room for negotiation and the chance to secure historic properties which have been undervalued.
- Living in a protected area
Buy in a conservation area and you’re not just acquiring the bricks and mortar. You’re buying into a protected area and the associated lifestyle. And while may the above-mentioned Article 4 Directions may sound somewhat limiting, in fact they safeguard you as buyer and then owner from neighbours making unattractive alterations which are not in keeping with the surroundings and which could otherwise have the potential to devalue your road or street.
Demographics and amenities
Conservation areas frequently include affluent districts which naturally attract first-class amenities, green spaces and excellent schools.
- Change is not impossible
It’s certainly not impossible to add living space or renovate within a conservation area. Indeed, local planning authorities tend to encourage design which is sensitive to the local heritage and which can increase square footage plus overall value if done properly.
Buying in a Salisbury conservation area with Carter & May
Award-winning independent Salisbury estate agency Carter & May has been operating in its areas for years, so we fully appreciate how the system of conservation areas works. Our local knowledge and understanding, together with our use of the latest technology, make us ideally placed to advise if you view a property within a protected district and have big plans for it.
We pride ourselves on our customer service excellence and strong track record plus our highly personalised approach – our independence gives us unrivalled flexibility and freedom.
View our properties for sale in Salisbury and get in touch to let us know a little more about what exactly you’re looking for.