Conservation Area Roof Replacement

If you need a conservation area roof replacement or renovation, we’ve outlined some key considerations here that might be of interest to you.

Conservation Area Roof Replacements: What to Consider

There are lots of great benefits to living in a conservation area – a beautiful home in an area of historic significance, and often the buildings around yours will have a similar look, giving your area a much more unified feel.

The downside comes when you want to redesign, remodel or renovate the exterior of your property in any way because that decision isn’t entirely up to you.

If you need a conservation area roof replacement or renovation, we’ve outlined some key considerations that might be of interest to you.

What is a conservation area?

A conservation area is protected by the local council and Historic England because it is an area worth preserving and can be developed only under controlled conditions.

These areas, or the buildings within them, have historical significance and certain design features can help tell us about local heritage. To ensure this remains the case, conservation areas are protected by law against any unauthorised changes.

Consideration 1 – Planning permission

If you live in a conservation area or a listed property and you’re looking to replace your roof, you will need to get permission from the local authorities before starting any work. Even in non-heritage areas, planning permission from the local council is often needed before any major changes to your property, such as building an extension. In conservation areas, even the smallest changes require permission before they can be actioned.

Minor repairs to your roof that won’t affect the appearance of your building often won’t need planning permission but will need to be run by the authorities first to be sure they aren’t in violation of any laws specific to the conservation area. 

Roof replacement, on the other hand, will definitely need to be approved by the council, even if you are intending to match the roof’s previous appearance.

Even cutting back trees around your property will need to be signed off by the authorities, as they are also protected by the designation. This can be troublesome, as trees overhanging your roof can cause structural damage in severe weather. If you can prove that the trees are a risk to your house, you will likely get permission to trim them back, as protecting your property is in the council’s interest too.

Consideration 2 – History of the building

Replacing the roof of a conservation area property requires considerable attention to detail. In order to preserve heritage areas, permission to make changes or renovate will usually come with the condition that the changes conform to the original appearance of the area or property. 

This means you will only be able to use certain building materials that would have been used at the time of the initial construction, or at least materials that visually resemble them. If you are planning to build an extension or another building on your land, this too will have to match the time period of your area’s architectural design. 

This also means you will be less likely to get planning permission for changes featuring modern designs, even ones that have environmental benefits, such as solar panels.

Before you get too invested in your proposal, find out the history of your building and area to familiarise yourself with the sort of design, features and materials that were used in the original construction. Then, adjust your plans accordingly to fit the conservation area. 

Roof replacement is a significant undertaking and you stand a better chance of getting planning permission if you are proposing to use authentic materials and design features. For example, despite all the benefits of a flat roof, putting one on a property in a 17th Century village is unlikely to be permitted.

Consideration 3 – Get the professionals in

Because of the number of restrictions involving conservation areas, all works should be completed by professionals who are experienced in re-roofing heritage buildings or listed properties. Even if the correct materials are already selected and approved, roofers without heritage experience may not be able to install these with the techniques that provide the authentic look of the conservation area. 

Roof replacement takes time and expertise on even the simplest of properties, so it’s always best to consult the professionals.

This doesn’t just apply to the labour either – experienced heritage roofers will be able to help you in the planning stage too, to help you pick the correct materials and building styles for the time period. 

If you have a very modern design, heritage roofers may be able to help you convert that design into something more appropriate for the conservation area. Using experienced roofing consultation will also give your proposal for planning permission a professional edge. 

Keep these considerations in mind if you’re planning on making any changes to your conservation area roof. Being based in the South West, we know a thing or two about heritage roof restoration and replacement! 

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If you get in touch, we’ll be happy to see how we can help.