retain original roofing materials and reinstate the original roofing materials where they have been lost
re-use existing slates where possible (as well as retaining the original character of a property, this can also help to reduce costs)
original chimneys and pots add symmetry to and emphasis the roofline and the rhythm of the street and should be retained. Some chimney stacks / pots have intricate detailing which adds character and should be preserved
Do not
demolish original chimneys before checking if planning permission is required
garden walls and original railings make a significant contribution to the character of conservation areas. Do consider reinstating front boundaries where they have been lost, neighbouring properties where original boundaries may still remain can provide a good indication of what type of boundary would be appropriate for your property and reinstating them could greatly enhance the character of a property
retain existing front gardens as planted / landscaped areas, these make a valuable contribution to the character of the conservation area and local biodiversity
where parking areas are considered acceptable, do use high quality, permeable surface materials in keeping with the character of the conservation area
Do not
lose front boundaries, these are often key elements of local character
new hardstandings on the frontage of properties in conservation areas are unlikely to be acceptable unless there is a large amount of space and it can be accommodated whist retaining a significant proportion of the front boundary enclosure and large planting areas
demolish front boundaries or install hardstandings before checking if planning permission or conservation area consent is required
where acceptable in principle, new rooflights and dormers should generally be installed at the rear and not be visible from the street. They should also appear incidental in the roof and be kept well away from other forms within the roof, including chimneys, gables, eaves, and so forth planning permission will be required
choose the right style of dormer for the property, small dormers with vertical emphasis tend to suit the Cities older properties
Do not
avoid alterations to original feature dormers (such as the creation of balconies where they would be out of character, or enlargements, as this will significantly alter the character of the property)
in some cases, e.g. where the streetscene is characterised by unbroken roof slopes, where the existing pitch is too shallow, or where it would over dominate neighbouring properties, dormers (and rooflights), in principle, are likely to be inappropriate
install new dormers or rooflights without checking whether planning permission is required
in some cases a contrasting, simple modern design that does not try to compete with the original building may be an acceptable alternative to a traditional design
Do not
site new conservatories where they will be dominant in the streetscene, conservatories should generally be kept to the rear. The placement of a conservatory should not normally be above ground floor level
construct a new conservatory before checking if planning permission is required
