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You’ve decided that it’s time to replace the windows in your home. But before you go ahead, you need to know if you live in a conservation area; it could mean your house is affected by special controls (called ‘Article 4 Directions’) restricting any work that you can normally do without planning permission from your local planning authority, such as replacing a door or window.
These restrictions could also limit the style of your new windows, and the materials used, all adding to the expense.
What is a conservation area?
Conservation areas exist to protect and retain the special architectural and historic characteristics of a unique area of historical significance. They restrict the scope of permitted development rights, either in relation to a particular area or site, or a particular type of development anywhere in the local authority’s area
What is the purpose of a conservation area?
Having somewhere designated a conservation area is to prevent anyone from developing a modern building, or altering an existing one, so it’s out of character with the surrounding structures.
Windows are the defining feature and focal point of any building and the type of window installed can improve or completely ruin the look of a building, which is important in conservation areas or listed buildings.
You may be surprised to learn that there are over 10,000 conservation areas in England, and every local authority has at least one conservation area in its care.
Is my house in a conservation area?
To find out if you live in a conservation area and what, if any, restrictions exist that could affect you, you’ll need to contact your local planning authority (LPA), who will be able to tell you when your particular conservation area was created, how far it extends, why it was created, and the level of legal protection it has in place.
The beauty of the Residence Collection in a conservation area
The Residence Collection has been specifically designed to aesthetically replicate the documented historical window designs from the 19th Century period and therefore has been approved for use in many areas across the UK.
Combining modern machining processes with the eye of a craftsman in a range of authentic styles and configurations, The Residence Collection allows you to recreate and preserve traditional details.
The suite of thermally and acoustically superior window and door systems of The Residence Collection feature the latest security, maintenance and performance innovations, yet still maintain a traditional appearance. What’s more they achieve U-values of 0.8 with triple glazing, PassivHaus Standard, and 1.2 with double glazing, far surpassing the British Building Regulation requirements.
To learn more about The Residence Collection, or to find your local specialist conservation installer, simply use our online postcode search.
@residencecollection
