Three Issues To Consider When Planning To Add Conservatories To Listed Buildings

Article Written By: Kathryn Dawson

There can be nothing more magnificent than a heritage building that still boasts the characteristics that link it directly to the era of its construction. They provide a step back in history, with many enhancing the landscape for locals and tourists alike. Understandably, when it comes to current residents seeking permission to build extensions, such as conservatories, the protective instincts of local authorities makes planning permission more difficult to get than for regular homes.

Application conditions are, of course, designed to maintain the architectural integrity of a listed building. It is one of the key methods in which buildings of historic and architectural significance stay just so, preventing the negative impact that some inappropriate modern designs can have on the overall building and its grounds. So, while orangeries may add more living space, it cannot be accepted if it adversely impacts on the historical value of the overall complex.

However, although conditions exist to protect, they are also open to interpretation within specific cases. For this reason, there is always the chance that permission will not be given. So, when it comes to extensions and outbuildings, such as an orangery, or even garden rooms, there are a number of issues to consider that can prove decisive in the application process.

In essence, the whole idea behind planning permission is that the aesthetic value of an original building is not diminished by any alterations or additional structures. With buildings of historical note, several hundred years can be the difference between the original and new structure designs, suggesting that the difference between the two will always be clearly perceivable. The trick, though, is to ensure that there is a suitable balance struck between the two.

In most cases, it is a matter of ensuring that the new structure does not distract from the main building, meaning that even if the new structure itself is exquisite in design, it should be subservient to the listed dwelling. This can be done in a variety of ways. The specific design of a conservatory, for example, can be altered. While, in some cases, the Victorian style may be deemed inappropriate, an Edwardian style may be looked upon more favourably, or perhaps a lean to structure may be deemed acceptable.

In the case of an orangery, the fact that the structure has a greater reliance on walls means that it is easier to get permission for its construction. This is because its exterior appearance typically matches the exterior design of the main building. The only issue may be height, area, and roof pitch, which may not complement the original building.

The materials used to construct the orangery, garden room or conservatory in question is important. It comes down to the fact that the materials of the additional structure should complement the original building and not seem to cheapen the overall complex. For that reason, it is generally undesirable to use upvc, for example, while natural materials such as solid oak frames are much more acceptable. And understandably so given the quality and sense of earthy permanence that natural materials can give.

Of course, even with natural materials, colour and texture also matter. Red brick manor houses are likely to be complemented by an orangery that is built with red brick, particular reclaimed red brick of around the same era, if possible. A cream or white painted wood frame may be suitable for a conservatory if it provides sufficient balance visually.

At times, a conservatory or garden room may be detached from the main building, necessitating some specific regulations. For example, it is accepted that any building within the curtilage, or on the grounds, of a listed building will almost always need planning permission, even though many outbuildings on contemporary sites are considered automatically permissible. For example, large orangeries that are detached must not be located too close to the listed building as it may dominate the view.

It is perhaps the wish of every home owner not to have their conservatories dominate the main home. It is, after all, supposed to be an addition. However, it can happen when something like proportion is not considered properly. If garden rooms are too large, then, it can prove to be dominating while the proportion can be distracting.

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson - David Salisbury, a leading manufacturer of traditional and contemporary designed conservatories and orangeries.

You Can Link Directly to "Three Issues To Consider When Planning To Add Conservatories To Listed Buildings" by using the url:
http://www.allbestarticles.com//home/decorating/three-issues-to-consider-when-planning-to-add-conservatories-to-listed-buildings.html

This Article Has Been Published on Wed, 11 May 2011 and Read 210 Times

Find All Best Articles at http://www.allbestarticles.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

No comments posted.

Add Comment

You do not have permission to comment. If you log in, you may be able to comment.

Related information on Decorating

Unique Home Decoration With Woven Photographs
Home Decoration Ideas - Lava Lamps and Wall Arts
Guide for your Master Bedroom
Three Issues To Consider When Planning To Add Conservatories To Listed Buildings
Why You Should Choose Battery Powered LED Fairy Lights For Your Home Decorations
Ideas For Decorative Painting In Orange County
Windows Look Great With Roman Shades
You'll Recognize Vertical Blinds Because They're Flat
How to Safely Use Outdoor Christmas Lights in the Next Holiday Season
Decorate The Bedroom With A Table Top Vanity Mirror
Enhance Your Surroundings With Pillar Candles
Shades For The Pool And Patio
Decorate your College Room with Ease
Christmas Lights Decoration at Home
Tips to Decorate Your Home with Framing
Why Choose to Made to Measure Curtains
Using artificial plants for decorating home
Lighting Shop Ideas For Decorating
The Main Elements Of Your Home
Fine Home Decor - Turning Houses Into Homes
How to Decorate with Christmas Lights
Hardwood Flooring from Lakeview, Chicago
The Way Colors Influence Us And Our Lives
Handblown Glass Art Spice up the ambiance of your home
Tips In Making a Rooster Chicken