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Common Misconceptions

Conservation areas make an area into a museum

In fact, conservation areas can be a catalyst for change and regeneration, especially in town centres and industrial parts of the City.

Conservation areas protect features that contribute to the character of an area. However, they do not prevent change and properties in conservation areas can often be adapted, extended and altered.

More details of the protection offered by conservation areas are available on this web site. See Conservation Areas the Basics and Frequently Asked Questions.

 

This stops me from improving my property

Conservation areas protect the essential character of a place, but they do not stop improvements from being made. For example, things like secondary glazing, loft insulation and more efficient internal gas boilers can be installed without the need for consent.

 

I won’t be able to sell my house

Having a house in a conservation area can be a positive selling point. Many people seek out period properties that have retained their original character and such properties can attract premium prices.

 

Plastic windows are low maintenance and help to address climate change

In fact, plastic windows can quickly look discoloured and unattractive. In addition, the processes and materials used in their manufacture have a high impact in terms of carbon use. There is also evidence to suggest that plastic windows have a limited life, in some instances far shorter than timber windows, some of which have survived for decades or even date from the 19th century.

There is also recent evidence to show that sash windows can achieve high levels of performance in terms of heat loss if they are properly maintained and adapted.