If you live in a property that is listed or in a conservation area, there are lots of benefits to this – which is probably why you chose to live there! These types of property have a real charm, and the area will likely be picturesque and a haven for wildlife. These areas and buildings are protected for good reason, and this ensures that the history and biodiversity of the area is kept alive and well.
However, if you are wanting to make changes to your property – perhaps you want to add an extension, or make some interior changes to it, then this can be more of a challenge than if you were doing it to a non-listed building that was not in an area that is deemed a conservation area.
However, although it is more challenging it is certainly not impossible. If you are wanting to make changes, then the first thing to do would be to do some research and get to know more about the property and the area. Your local council will most likely be able to help you with this and give you up to date information on planning regulations and any particular things that you need to be aware of or adhere to.
Your home itself is likely to be older, so this will often mean that to get permission to make changes and additions to it, traditional materials will need to be used like these Timberpride oak trusses for example. It may also be necessary for traditional methods to also be used when it comes to the type of work that is done, as many older buildings will have work that is done in a certain way that will need to be done like that again in order for it to fit in with the original building. Dry stone walls are an example of this, many of which can be found in areas like the Cotswolds.
Something else to think about are trees – when you live in a conservation area, you may need to get special permission to make changes to trees – even if you are not cutting them down, it is important that you check before you have any work done which could have an effect on the trees.
