Friday, March 22, 2013

Information about the Mapesbury Estate Area

By Monica Charles


Designated as a Conservation Area in December 1982, The Mapesbury Estate is a unique residential area. An expansion process is currently underway which will see the east side of Walm Lane around Blenheim Gardens. The Estate is bordered by Walm Lane and Chichele Road and to the rear by Shoot Up Hill. Properties in Anson Road form a border to the north.

The Estate itself boasts a charming selection of suburban-based accommodations that are essentially two-storey buildings with attic rooms included. Furthermore, there is a generous amount of mature garden space situated at the front and the rear. The majority of houses are settled amongst elegant, tree-lined streets that illustrate a genuine sense of tranquility. In addition, the Mapesbury Estate allows tenants easy access to the City of London due to the Conservation Area being within close proximity of the Capital.

Since their inception in 1967 over 8,000 conservation areas have been created throughout England, primarily for their special architectural and historic interest. There are a number of different examples of Conservation Areas based on their primary interests. These include mining and fishing villages, historic country buildings, forms of traditional transport i.e. canals and also suburbs built in the 1800's.

Designation through the Council is required to start a Conservation Area. Designation through heritage requires an approach to the relevant London Borough Council, resulting in the consent of the Secretary of State or National Heritage. If an area begins to accumulate exceptional interest from the public, the Secretary of State can request an evaluation of the area for potential designation.

Once Conservation Areas are designated, there are a number of issues regarding property alterations. People who inhabit houses in the area may require permission for alterations that include extensions, window installations, solar panel installations and other general refurbishments. Whilst you may not require permission from the Council, it is recommended that you check alteration regulations as these can be updated over time.

The Local Council will need to be contacted before any form of significant demolition can take place with regards to buildings, fences or walls of any size. Note that the Listed Buildings and Conservation Area Act 1990 states that a building of 115 cubic metres or less does not require consent.

If anyone is thinking of undertaking any radical alteration to a building, it is important that permission from the Council is sought before demolition or substantial demolition of a structure within a conservation area. Note that according to the Listed Buildings and Conservation Area Act 1990, no consent is required for demolition of a building that is 115 cubic meters or less. Fences or walls that are one to two meters in height also do not need consent, depending on certain circumstances.

The London School of Economics has carried out extensive research which suggests that people value living in conservation areas. Properties in these areas command higher valuation and greater price appreciation. This is the case even after allowing for location and other associated factors. Research also shows that properties further inland in Conservation Areas have more value, suggesting that people enjoy being surrounded by a greater density of heritage.




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