Sandwich

Article 4(2) Direction

Sandwich is a superb example of a medieval walled town and an architectural gem. Its distinctive character is formed by the large number of historic buildings which remain, together with the medieval street pattern.

If the special character of the town is to be preserved then it is important that buildings are repaired by using traditional materials. Inappropriate repairs and alterations not only spoil the appearance of the area, but can also devalue a property.

If you are the owner or tenant of a commercial property, or if you own or live in a flat you will already need planning permission for most external alterations. Similar controls now apply to dwelling houses and mean that extra care will need to be taken so that alterations do not unintentionally spoil the appearance of the street. The new controls are known as an Article 4(2) Direction and cover the whole of the Sandwich Walled Town Conservation Area, the boundary of which is shown on the map.

Why Introduce the Changes?

The new Article 4(2) Direction will strengthen the District Council's ability to protect the special character of the town. Additionally, it will remove some of the anomalies which currently exist between controls on single family dwelling houses and all other types of property.

How are you affected?

The new direction gives the District Council control over a range of alterations to unlisted dwelling houses.

In summary, planning permission will now be required for changes to windows, doors, roof materials, chimney stacks, the painting of facades, the construction of external porches, the provision and removal of walls and fences and the provision of hardstandings.

These controls do not relate to the whole building, but only to those elevations which front a highway, waterway or open space, and which therefore, affect the public face or faces of the building.

Enlarge Map

The best way of preserving the character of a building I to repair it using traditional materials. If you repair your house using identical materials, then there will be no change to the external appearance and planning permission will not be required.

Planning Applications

If you do need to apply for planning permission we will aim to ensure that your proposal does not detract from the special character of the conservation area and each application will be treated on its own merits. A decision normally takes between 5 to 8 weeks from the date of submission.

Listed Buildings

If your building is listed then you will require listed building consent for both internal and external alterations an extensions. To check if your building is listed please contact the Conservation Section of the District Council: Telephone: 01304 872486

E-mail: conservation@dover.gov.uk

 

New Planning Controls

The new Direction will require the submission of a planning application for the following items of work, on a single unlisted dwelling house in the Sandwich Walled Town Conservation Area, where the works front a highway, waterway or open space:-

(a) The enlargement, improvement or other alteration of the house. This includes changing windows and doors;

(b) Any alteration to the roof. This includes the provision of roof lights and dormer windows and the substitution of clay tiles and natural slates with concrete or other materials;

(c) The erection or construction of a porch outside any external door;

(d) The provision within the garden or curtilage of any building or enclose, swimming pool or other pool required for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of the house, or the maintenance, improvement or other alterations of any such building or enclosure;

(e) The provision of a hard surface e.g. to provide a car park in the front garden;

(f) The erection, alterations or removal of a chimney on the house or on a building within its curtilage;

(g) The erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure;

(h) The painting of the external masonry (or other walling material) of any part of the house(or building or enclosure within the curtilage of a house). For the avoidance of doubt, this does not include the routine repainting or external joinery, or the repainting of masonry or other walling material in the same colour;

(i) The demolition in whole or in part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.

Note: The above descriptions are not necessarily legal definitions of the works as defined by the current panning legislation. If you are I doubt, please ask us.

If the special character of these buildings is to be retained then it is essential to repair them using traditional materials.

Contact

Telephone: 01304 872486

Email: conservation@dover.gov.uk