feature conservation areas not repeat some of the mistakes that were made in the 1970s and 80s. Back then, buildings received permission which seemed to have no relevance to the place they were built. What we are now trying to do is restore some balance, giving some individuality back to distinguish towns and villages from each other. “The dictionary definition of a conservation area is: ‘an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance,’ which I like to think is really important in a district like <strong>East</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>. We have so much heritage 12 east cambridgeshire magazine summer 2008 Lionel March sits in the new extension with his wife “An earth-sheltered design seemed like a great way to satisfy the constraints of the conservation area while getting a really interesting end result” here, it is important to protect it but we also must be flexible to understand people’s needs. “Planning officers we are always keen to help and advise about changes to buildings because for many this will be their one and only venture into planning. From the outside it can seem a very daunting procedure, but talking it though with us and a good architect means you know what you can achieve from the start. For example, when people understand a three storey extension on a one-and-half storey cottage is not appropriate, they look for other suitable and often innovative solutions. Conservation area grants <strong>East</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> <strong>District</strong> <strong>Council</strong> is keen to help the repair of buildings in conservation areas and is one of the few remaining authorities that run a conservation area grant system. Basically, if you’re an owner of a building in a conservation area, which needs renovation, you can apply for funds via a points system.Applicants need to provide at least two quotes based on identical specifications. Any grant likely to be over £5,000 would go to Planning Committee for their decision and it is likely to be offered on a loan basis.The Loan is interest free and need not be repaid until the property is sold. However, it is attached like a loan to the property at the land registry, so when the property is sold the loan is automatically repaid by the solicitor. <strong>Council</strong>lors are keen to assist with the protection of the historic built environment through grants. Most are small so the money is spread as far as it can be. The forms are available from the <strong>East</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> website www.eastcambs.gov.uk or by contacting Rosie Burton on 01353 665555. “Like Rob Assheton, I cannot stress how important it is to speak to your neighbours ahead of submitting a planning application. No one likes shocks or surprises so if you explain to them what your plans are, they can feel part of process.” Lionel March, from Stretham, can back up Rosie’s comments about the importance of speaking to officers from the time when he and his wife came to build his extension. He said: “By speaking to officers at the beginning of the process, I believe the application became very straightforward. We had just returned from living in a large house in Los Angeles, where we had plenty of space for our books and furniture, to a cottage which had been in my wife’s family for more than 30 years. Following a spot of renovation to the old building, it became clear we needed more space if we hoped to get all our things in. “We withdrew our first plans for the extension as, following a meeting with planning officers, they told us – and quite rightly so – that we should make the proposed building smaller. So we rethought our designs for the library and another bedroom to fit in with this. “I have always admired the way homes in Germany embrace greener architecture so I was keen to try and develop some environmentally friendly aspects to the cottage. Given the building is in a conservation area, I thought this was only right. So as well as a green roof, which is landscaped with sedum, we also included a timber structure and solar water heaters. “We have now been living in the new extension for two years, and it has both allowed us to keep all our books and given us a room for visitors to stay. We also have a smaller garden, but to be honest when you get to my age that is a blessing as it is easier for us to potter around in. “This whole process has been really worthwhile and as I said at the start, if you need help go and get the advice of the experts. They can ensure you develop what you actually need.” ■
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