Buying a property in a conservation area has many advantages, like having attractive historic features and laws in place to protect the streetscape. However, there are some limitations too – buyers should be aware of what it means to take on a property in a conservation area before they commit. 

Let’s take a closer look. 

What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is an area of a town, or sometimes a whole village or suburb, that is protected because of its historic value. Here in Surrey, almost all of East Clandon is a conservation area, for example, while up the road in London, all of Mayfair is a conservation area. 

What are the benefits of living in a conservation area?

Conservation areas are usually some of the most attractive and architecturally interesting postcodes the UK has to offer. If you’re drawn to a property in a conservation area because you like its character, the good news is that the character is protected. All the charm, personality and significance of your new street will stay there for as long as you do, and probably far into the future as well. Other residents won’t be able to put up ugly extensions (!) and unscrupulous developers won’t be able to tear down delightful public buildings. 

You’re also more likely to find a listed building in a conservation area. While listed buildings aren’t everyone’s dream home, if you like the idea of living within a piece of history then they’re well worth considering. 

What is the difference between a conservation area and a listed building? 

Listed building and properties in conservation areas are both subject to stricter planning laws than other properties. However, there will probably be fewer restrictions if your building is in a conservation area but unlisted.

Conservation areas often contain listed buildings, but not every building in a conservation area is automatically listed. Conservation areas are – as their name implies – whole areas, rather than individual buildings. This means that other elements that contribute to the character of the area are given importance as well, like trees and green spaces, and street furniture like benches, bins and lampposts. 

What planning restrictions are there for conservation areas?

Most of the planning restrictions for conservation areas relate to the character of the street. This means that planners might be stricter about proposed alterations to the front of the property than to the back. Exactly what these restrictions are will depend on your local authority and your proposed design. 

It’s also worth noting that even small alterations that wouldn’t require planning permission in a regular street, are subject to planning consent if your property is in a conservation area. These are called article 4 directions and include things like installing a satellite dish or rebuilding a porch. You can read a full list of Guildford council’s article 4 directions here.  

How do I know if a property is in a conservation area?

If you’re still at the house hunting stage, the chances are that the conservation area will be mentioned in the property description or brochure. If the Cobbles team know that a property is in a conservation area, we will always let potential buyers know. It is also a fact that is likely to emerge during the conveyancing process. However, if you suspect that the property is in a conservation area but no one has mentioned it yet, you can check it out for yourself on your local authority website. Cobbles are Guildford estate agents and you can check your address on the Guildford Borough Council website here.

We’d always recommend finding this out before you put in an offer for a property. For example, if you’re looking for a small property you can afford now but plan to extend in future, your plans could be derailed by conservation area restrictions. 

Buy and sell property in Guildford

If you have property to sell in Guildford, Cobbles are here to help! Our experienced team have helped countless vendors sell property both in conservation areas and on regular streets. Explore our site to find out more, or get in touch on 01483 457 000.