[GEaston]

Yes. With buildings in the conservation area you have to keep the same look and feel to the street frontage. So for example I changed all the windows on both buildings to new double glazing. Those have to be the same style as others on the street. I need to replace a door - again it has to look the same as other doors. All perfectly sensible stuff. If you make a change that is not in line with what was already there then you have to obtain planning permission. The fast track process is not at all fast....

There are actually 3 departments to consider - planning (if required - either change of use or change of any design such as window styles), building inspectors (you pay them to come around even if you're just changing windows), and heritage conservation covers things like the colours you use. I can't paint the shopfront pink or red for example - has to be black, grey, white, or replacement of the existing colour which is blue. I think these departments spend a lot of time chasing around after rogue property owners who are either unaware of the rules or don't follow them. Probably a refreshing change when they find someone like me who does.