Frequently asked questions
What if my property is not covered by the guidance?
We have identified properties suitable for mansard roof extensions in the consultation documents. If your property is not listed but you believe it should be, please let us know why during this consultation. We will carefully consider your reasons before finalising the list.
Suitable properties are typically terraced houses with a London roof concealed behind a parapet wall. Properties are excluded if they are not deep enough for a roof extension or have visible pitched roofs. The guidance does not apply to locally or statutory listed buildings, which are more sensitive in heritage terms.
Alternative roof extensions, such as adding a dormer window to the rear, might be acceptable. We suggest consulting an architect and using the council’s pre-application advice service to explore suitable options.
How is the new guidance different from that currently in place for Driffield Road and Medway conservation areas?
The new guidance is similar to that adopted for Driffield Road and Medway conservation areas in 2017. The design principles remain the same, but the document is now clearer and includes more information about dormer window design and rainwater drainage.
The potential façade enhancements are also the same, but the suggested contribution to streetscape improvement funds has increased from £1,000 to £2,000. This adjustment accounts for inflation and aims to support necessary improvements to offset the harm caused by mansard roof extensions.
Which façade improvement works will I need to carry out?
The required façade improvements will vary based on your property's condition. The architect designing your roof extension should identify necessary improvements, which must be included in your application to show how the conservation area’s harm will be mitigated.
The guidance requires proposals to include at least one façade enhancement, which should be the one that makes the most significant improvement to the appearance of the building. This will usually be the reinstatement or repair of the front parapet wall and cornice, where this is damaged or missing.
How much will the contribution to the streetscape improvement fund be?
We suggest a contribution of £2,000 for each mansard roof extension, reflecting the cost of potential improvements and the number of eligible properties. Where planning applications are more complex, or involve more than one property, a higher contribution may be sought where appropriate.
The contribution will be secured through a legal agreement known as a unilateral undertaking and will be payable at the time the agreement is signed. You will also be required to pay the council’s legal costs for the preparation, negotiation and completion of the agreement.
What will the streetscape improvement fund be used for?
The fund will support works that improve the conservation area's character and appearance, helping offset the harm from mansard roof extensions. The character appraisal and management plan documents identify opportunities to enhance the quality of the streets and open spaces. Possible projects include tree planting, improvement of pavement surfaces and street lighting and enhancements to open spaces.
Since 2017, contributions in Driffield Road and Medway conservation areas have funded new street trees, improving the streetscape and delivering environmental benefits such as carbon capture, air quality improvement, and flood risk reduction.
Will residents have a say in how the improvement fund is used?
We welcome your views on potential uses for the improvement fund as part of this consultation. The fund will build gradually as mansard consents are granted, and it may take a number of years to accumulate sufficient funds for projects. The council will decide at a future date what the funds will be spent on, based on resident feedback, conservation area conditions and budget availability at the time.