An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a designation given to land in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that has been identified as having significant landscape value. Much of Cornwall is designated as AONB, including the Cornwall AONB which covers approximately 958 square kilometres of the county.
Building extensions in Cornwall AONBs is subject to stricter planning controls than in non-designated areas. Permitted Development rights are often restricted or removed entirely. Full planning permission is typically required, and applications are assessed against policies that seek to protect the special character of the AONB.
Extensions in Cornwall AONBs must be designed to be sympathetic to the local character and landscape. This typically means using traditional materials such as local stone, slate and timber, keeping the scale and form of the extension subordinate to the existing building, and avoiding designs that would be visually prominent in the landscape.
The choice of materials is critical for extensions in Cornwall AONBs. Local stone, Cornish slate, natural timber and traditional lime render are all appropriate materials that blend well with the local character. Modern materials such as uPVC windows and cladding are generally not appropriate in AONB settings.
Cornwall Council’s planning department has specialist heritage and landscape officers who assess planning applications in AONBs. Pre-application advice is strongly recommended for extensions in AONB settings. A.V.A Building & Construction Ltd have extensive experience working with Cornwall Council on AONB projects.
Many properties in Cornwall’s AONBs are located in coastal or cliff-top settings. These properties face additional challenges including exposure to salt air and wind, coastal erosion risks, and heightened sensitivity to visual impact. Extensions to coastal properties require particularly careful design and specification.
Many properties in Cornwall’s AONBs are also listed buildings. Extensions to listed buildings in AONBs require both Listed Building Consent and planning permission. The design must be sympathetic to the historic character of the building as well as the wider AONB landscape.
A.V.A Building & Construction Ltd have extensive experience building extensions in Cornwall’s AONBs. We understand the planning requirements, design principles and material choices that are appropriate for AONB settings. Contact us for a free consultation on your AONB extension project.
A.V.A Building & Construction Ltd have extensive experience building extensions in Cornwall’s AONBs across Truro, Falmouth and surrounding villages. As members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen, all our work is fully insured and guaranteed.
Contact us today for a free consultation on 01872 719546 or email avabuildingltd@outlook.com.
