Conservation areas

Council advice document

Renovation advice and requirements

By Maureen Brand, North Laine resident

For those moving into the North Laine, or those getting around to renovation projects, it is strongly recommended that Council guidelines on alterations to housing in conservation areas are first consulted.  On the Council website is a document "Conservation Areas in Brighton and Hove - A Resident's Guide" covering areas including windows, doors, roofs, dormers, roof lights, architectural details and aerials.  There are also stipulations on trees, front gardens and demolition.

The need to check

To quote a part of that document: unauthorised work "can result in the costly reinstatement of the building to its pre-existing state.  Owners are therefore advised to contact the Council at an early stage to find out whether their proposals need permission and whether it is likely to be given."