Living in a conservation area - planning question

[kirinm]

We've just moved into a conservation area in SE London and will need planning permission to install new windows and possibly French Windows onto the balcony at the back of the building. We knew this when we bought so it's not a surprise but I'm not sure how we actually go about starting the process. Has anyone just called the planning office and met with a planning officer before? That seems a sensible first step to us but as FTB we have no idea.

Any tips and how accommodating did you find planners in your conservation area?

You need to look at the planning guidelines on your local authority websites. They should also publish details of the rules pertaining to your particular conservation area.

Our area offers free pre planning advice to homeowners (we are conservation and aonb) . Look on the website and it will tell you what you need to do. We had to post a form to them and we got an email two weeks later.

Okay thanks. I'll have to read their website in depth I think.