The Duchy Estate is part of the Harrogate Conservation Area – which has implications for residents who wish to renovate or refurbish their homes. Planning rules and regulations can be complex, and we would always recommend that you contact the planning department at Harrogate Borough Council with specific queries. These are just a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) that may be helpful to read prior to contacting the council.
What is a “conservation area”?
The statutory definition of a conservation area is “ an area of special architectural interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. The key things to remember when planning renovations or building works to a house on the Duchy are that the conservation area requirements aim to prevent over-development of the plot, removal of trees, green areas and hedges, and preservation of privacy.
Is my property in a conservation area?
You can find out if your property is in the Harrogate Conservation Area by going to http://maps.harrogate.gov.uk/myproperty/
I live the Duchy Estate Conservation Area, what are the planning rules concerning:
Extensions
Any extension of a property will need planning permission, and to conform to building regulations obviously. The proposed work will also need to be sympathetic to Conservation Area objectives, particulary retaining the relatively low building to green space ratio that characterises the Duchy Estate.
Interior structural alterations
Work on the inside of your home should conform to building regulations, particularly when you are altering older properties. Contact the planning department to check specific details of your proposed building work.
Garages and outbuildings
Conversion or demolition of old coach houses or other outbuildings of a certain size to residential use will require planning permission. You may also need permission to build a shed or similar building if it is over a certain size, so check with the planning department.
Demolition
To demolish a building in a conservation area you must seek the appropriate consent. As English Heritage explain:
“A building in a conservation area is not to be demolished without consent of the local planning authority. It may be a criminal offence to fail to obtain such conservation area consent. The consent is quite separate from any necessary planning permission.” http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/advice/hpg/consentandplanningpermission/cac/
Garden buildings and sheds
Whether or not you need planning permission to erect a garden building or shed in a conservation area depends on the proposed size of the building. Contact the planning department for more details.
Roofs
Due to the fact that a roof is visually prominent, any change to a roof in the conservation area needs to be discussed with the planning department in advance of the works being carried out.
Windows
In a conservation area windows and exterior doors should be replaced by hardwood alternatives. Check with the local planning department if your proposed replacements will be suitable.
Driveways and gates
You will need consent to alter a gateway as it involves doing something adjacent to the public highway.
Hedges
Hedges add visually to the character of the conservation area. They soften the built environment and provide valuable habitats for wildlife, as well as privacy for residents. Many of the hedges in the Duchy Estate are mature and well-established, and you should check with the council planning department before replacing a hedge.
Walls and fences
You need permission to demolish any gate, wall, fence or railing if it is over 1 metre high and next to a public highway or public space. If the gate, wall, fence or railing is on your property but is not next to a public highway or space you only need permission to demolish it if it is over 2 metres high.
Trees
All treeworks, including pruning, need to have consent. The “arcadian” character of the estate is to be preserved by protecting trees.