Chapelfields Conservation Area

Chapelfields has been one of Coventry's Conservation Areas for over 20 years. It was recognised for the unique character of its many watchmaking houses which, nationally, are very rare. As well as Conservation Area status Chapelfields also has the highest concentration of 'locally listed' properties in the city.

But Chapelfields' unique status is now under threat. Many of the properties 'listed' in the 1970's were struck off in a recent second survey of the area in 1993. The Council are also considering withdrawing Conservation Area status completely.

The reason for this is that we, as local residents, have not looked after the area. Over the past thirty years the character of the area has been eroded by home owners trying to 'modernise' their properties:

· Replacing traditional sash windows with UPVC double glazing
· Replacing a traditional slate roof with concrete roof tiles
· Rendering or pebble-dashing the exterior of houses
· Replacing original front doors
· Removing interior features such as panel doors, fireplaces and plasterwork
· Removing blue brick paving from gardens

All of this has added to the destruction of the area's historic character. It also affects property prices as most buyers who are interested in Chapelfields are looking for properties retaining their Victorian features and it is these properties that sell quickly.

This year Chapelfields Area Residents and Traders Association have made the retention of the Conservation Area a priority. We hope to raise awareness of how important this status is for the future of the area. Conservation Area status will allow us to attract funding to the area, from a range of agencies.

We appreciate that some modernisation has been necessary and is not reversible, but we hope to encourage home owners to take more care when carrying out work on their homes. We can also tell you if your property is listed.

CARTA is currently seeking advice from Coventry City Council Conservation Office. We will be producing more detailed information over the coming months, but in the meantime there are a number of simple things that you can consider:

· Keeping and renovating your original sash windows, especially those at the front of your property. There are many companies who will now restore and weatherproof sash windows for a lot less than the price of UPVC double glazing. If UPVC is the only option then try to keep the panes the same proportion as sash windows and ensure they are recessed and not fitted flush with the facing brick.
· Re-roofing your home with traditional slate and not concrete tiles. Concrete tiles are up to 100% heavier than slates and can cause serious structural damage to your property. You may think you are saving money with concrete tiles but it could cost you more in the long run.
· Keeping as many original features as possible. Victorian fireplaces can cost up to £1,500 to replace. Original plasterwork, floor tiles and doors enhance your home and add to the value of your property
· Resisting the temptation to render, stone clad or pebble-dash the exterior of your property. Exterior rendering or wall coverings can seriously devalue not only your property but also those of your neighbours and can have a serious impact on the appearance of the street. Poorly applied rendering and cladding can cause serious damp problems. Crumbling bricks should be individually cut out and replaced.
· Beware of bad advice from builders - they will often suggest what is easiest for them!
· Considering the impact any alterations you might make may have on the 'street scene'.