How to extend a home in a conservation area

Approvals, design tips, and pitfalls for North East properties

If you own a home in a conservation area, you already know these locations are special. They protect the character, history, and architecture of the area — and they often come with higher property values. But if you want to extend or alter your home, the rules are different, and navigating them successfully takes expertise.

At Acre Design, we’ve spent over 20 years working on major bespoke extensions and refurbishments in conservation areas across the North East — from elegant Victorian terraces in Tynemouth and Jesmond, to period villas in Gosforth, stone-built properties in Hexham, and coastal gems in Alnmouth and Warkworth. We understand how to design spaces that meet modern needs while respecting heritage — and how to secure the necessary approvals to make them a reality.

What is a Conservation Area?

A conservation area is a designated zone where local authorities have agreed the existing architecture and streetscape are worth protecting for future generations. It could be a row of handsome Edwardian homes in Whitley Bay, a market town high street in Alnwick, or modest miners’ cottages in Stocksfield with unique historical significance.

The aim is to prevent overdevelopment and preserve the visual and cultural character of the area — protecting both its beauty and its value.

How to check if your home is in a Conservation Area

Most local authority websites have maps you can search by postcode. Alternatively, you can use tools like:

www.conservationareachecker.com

If your home is in a conservation area, there’s a strong chance you’ll need full planning permission for changes to the exterior — even for works that would normally be covered by permitted development rights.

Understanding local guidance

Every conservation area — whether it’s the leafy streets of Jesmond, the cobbled lanes of Corbridge, or the historic quayside of Berwick-upon-Tweed — has its own written appraisal and management plan. This sets out the key features, materials, and details that contribute to its character.

In many areas, permitted development rights are restricted under an Article 4 Direction. This means alterations like replacing windows, adding extensions, or even changing roof materials require approval. The good news: with the right design, most projects can still gain consent.

Working with Conservation Area Officers

Applications in conservation areas are often reviewed in consultation with a Conservation Area Officer (CAO). Their priority is to maintain the area’s original appearance, remove inappropriate past additions, and ensure any new work is sympathetic in scale, style, and materials.

At Acre Design, we work closely with planning teams across Northumberland, Newcastle, and County Durham. We know what Conservation Area Officers look for in Tynemouth may differ from their approach in Alnwick or Hexham, and we design accordingly.

What’s possible?

Loft Conversions

• Conservation-style rooflights at the front
• Small, traditional dormers to the rear
• Avoid large box dormers or full hip-to-gable changes unless there is precedent

Bedroom Extensions

• Side extensions must be clearly subservient, with a set-back from the main frontage
• Corner plots are treated carefully, as both sides are street-facing
• Matching materials and detailing are essential

Ground Floor Extensions

• Porches: Small, high-quality, and often largely glazed to reduce visual mass
• Side Extensions: Subservient, matching materials, and proportionate width
• Rear Extensions: More flexibility, sometimes allowing modern designs if sympathetic to the original structure

Why it’s worth the effort

Yes, conservation area approvals can take longer and require more documentation. But they also protect your street from poor-quality development — and the right extension can enhance both your lifestyle and your property’s value. This is particularly important in sought-after areas like Jesmond, Tynemouth, Gosforth, and Warkworth, where premium architecture and location deserve an equally premium design approach.

How we help

Our role is to manage the process from start to finish:

• Researching local conservation policies specific to your area
• Designing with both your lifestyle and heritage in mind
• Preparing and submitting applications with the right level of detail
• Liaising with planning officers to give your project the best chance of success

Your role is simple:

1. Share your budget
2. Explain how you live now and what you want from your home
3. Tell us your style and preferences

We’ll take it from there.

Thinking about extending in a conservation area?
Contact Acre Design for a free consultation and discover how we can deliver your dream space while protecting the character of your home in Tynemouth, Jesmond, Hexham, Alnwick, Corbridge, or anywhere across the North East.

Book Your Conservation Area Consultation