Conservation area starts to bite

If you want to paint huge insects on the front of your house you will need to move fast. On February 23 the Council’s Strategic Development Control Committee, declared Jericho to be a Conservation Area. This sets the general context for preserving the character of the area, but from April 28, subject to consultation, this declaration will be bolstered by a stronger measure – an ‘Article 4’ directive – which will restrict many potential alterations.

The Conservation Area and Article 4 are not retrospective, so existing modifications can stay in place. But if you want to replace either the original, or any previously replaced, doors or windows, for example, you will need to submit a planning application along with the detailed design – which suppliers or contractors could provide. Most such applications, which are free of charge, can now be made online.

These new controls should see Jericho gradually revert to some of its earlier character. PVC windows, for example, have a lifespan of around 30 years, so those from the 1970s and 1980s may be coming to the end of their lives. In this case they would have to be replaced by sash windows.

The Council says it will work flexibly to arrive at suitable solutions, advising for example on cases where repair might be better than replacement. What do you need to be concerned about? A Conservation Area gives the Council greater control over extensions, roof dormers, satellite dishes and external cladding. An Article 4 directive extends this to many other potential alterations. Generally these apply to changes visible from the street – rather than those at the rear of the house. So you will need to consider this when replacing or altering windows, doors, rooflights, gates or fences. It also applies to the installation, alteration or replacement of solar cells or thermal equipment. More details are on the Council website.