This modern, 1960s property had been constructed in Moor Park Conservation Area, a residential area comprising of large detached dwellings primarily developed in the inter and early post war periods with the architectural character defined by the Arts and Crafts style of architecture.

The concept of conservation areas was introduced by the Civic Amenities Act 1967 as a way to protect historic cities and towns from post-war redevelopment. Today there are over 10,000 conservation areas in the UK with around 9,300 such areas in England, 500 in Wales, 650 in Scotland and 50 in Northern Ireland.

Conservation areas are defined as ‘an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’ and section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 provides the statutory protection for such areas. Conservation areas also have some extra planning controls to protect the character or appearance of the area for which planning permission is required to make some changes.

Moor Park was designated a conservation area in 1995 to protect its distinct suburban and planned residential estate character, sometimes referred to as ‘Metroland’.

Heritage Unlimited was engaged to provide design guidance, heritage advice and a supporting Heritage Statement for a project to redevelop the site with a building that would harmonise with the character and appearance of the conservation area whilst providing 21st century living requirements in a dwelling that was energy efficient.

The minimum requirement of the statutory test is to preserve the character or appearance of the area and the proposed replacement dwelling was designed to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area. The design of the new dwelling took its inspiration from the established architectural character of Moor Park and embraced the style and philosophy of the Arts and Crafts movement in a contemporary manner that would create a property of individual architectural merit that the Conservation Area Appraisal seeks to promote. HUL were therefore able to provide substantial argument to support the planning application which was subsequently approved by the Planning Department.