ServicesConservation

Architects for conservation areas and listed homes

In sensitive places, planning permission is won in the detail: sightlines, set-backs, materials, and a clear case for why the change makes the building better.

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Pastel-painted terraced houses on Godfrey Street in a Chelsea conservation area

Our record in sensitive places

Much of our work is on locally listed houses and in conservation areas, in Hackney, Chelsea and Covent Garden. We talk to planning and conservation officers early, design around the constraints, and make the case for the change clearly.

At Albion Drive 2, a locally listed house in a conservation area, the design was developed through discussions with the case officer and the conservation team. The result was shortlisted for the RIBA London Awards.

At Shelton Street, the Seven Dials conservation officer agreed that our rooftop pavilion and terrace were set back far enough not to be seen from the street.

And in Portugal, we rebuilt and extended a winery in the Alto Douro World Heritage area.

Godfrey Street, Chelsea: refused, appealed, approved, repeated

  1. Step 01

    Refused

    Our first application, for a roof terrace and a two-storey rear extension, was refused.

  2. Step 02

    Appeal

    The planning inspector agreed about the extension but saw no merit in refusing the roof terrace.

  3. Step 03

    Approved

    We resubmitted the roof terrace on its own, and it was approved.

  4. Step 04

    Repeated

    Two neighbours followed. One terrace was approved at the first attempt; another is now complete.

Godfrey Street 1 Godfrey Street 2 Godfrey Street 3

How we approach sensitive sites

  • 01

    Pre-application advice

    Early conversations with planning and conservation officers.

  • 02

    Design and access statements

    Heritage-led statements built on policy and precedent.

  • 03

    Sightline and privacy studies

    Evidence that a change can’t be seen from the street or overlook neighbours.

  • 04

    Planning appeals

    Taking a refusal to appeal when the case is strong.

  • 05

    Locally listed buildings

    Extensions and refurbishments that respect what made the house worth listing.

  • 06

    Materials and detail

    Choices that sit comfortably in their context.

Conservation and heritage work

See all
Double-height kitchen and dining room with exposed timber beams and clerestory glazing at Albion Drive 01 Hackney Albion Drive 2 Timber-framed extension, locally listed house Front elevation of a pastel-painted house on Godfrey Street, Chelsea 02 Chelsea Godfrey Street 1 Roof terrace approved after appeal Penthouse roof terrace with chequerboard paving, striped seating, olive trees and views over Covent Garden 03 Covent Garden Shelton Street Penthouse refurbishment and new roof terrace Roof terrace at dusk with composite decking, outdoor seating and a lit timber privacy fence above Chelsea rooftops 04 Chelsea Godfrey Street 3 Completed roof terrace in a conservation area Kitchen extension with exposed timber beams and diagonal struts under large roof lights, opening onto the garden 05 Hackney Albion Drive 3 Timber-framed extension and mezzanine Infinity pool in front of the rebuilt winery, with the terraced Douro valley beyond 06 Portugal Douro winery Winery rebuilt as a family home

Is your house in a conservation area?

Book a free 30-minute feasibility call and we’ll tell you how the constraints are likely to shape what you can do.

Book a free 30-minute feasibility call Call +44 (0)7881 817 310
Or get in touch directlyTheme2 Architects
Address
The White House, 55A Kyverdale Road, London N16 7AB