The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate

Design Guide
London Borough of Redbridge
October 2020

Alan Baxter
The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate
Design Guide
London Borough of Redbridge
October 2020

Contents
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................2
2.0 Design guide ................................................................................................3
3.0 Planning policy ..........................................................................................21

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 1 Alan Baxter
1.0
Introduction
This guide has been written for the people who own negative effect that this is having on the Conservation appropriate, contribute significantly to the character
and care for the buildings within the Aldersbrook Area’s character and appearance, it is the conclusion and appearance of the Conservation Area. Efforts
Conservation Area and Lake House Estate, as well as of this report that a number of these potential to reinstate lost features are particuarly welcome
builders/developers and decision-makers, to help them alterations should be considered against adopted as this will better reveal the special character of the
conserve and enhance the different elements of planning policy to better conserve what is distinctive Conservation Area.
individual homes. These individual details cumulatively and historic about the Aldersbrook Conservation Area
The Council will achieve these aims through the
contribute to the special character of the area. Where and Lake House Estate.
planning process and by removing, where necessary,
planning applications are submitted for changes to Where individual houses retain historic features permitted development rights (by introducing
buildings within the Conservation Area, they must the Council will seek to retain these even where Article 4 Directions, see Appraisal). This will give the
accord with the principles set out within this document. neighbouring properties have replaced them. These Council greater oversight over changes within the
The following advice and guidance will help to surviving features, whether original or historically Conservation Area.
preserve the character of the Conservation Area,
and improve its environment for all residents and
visitors to the area. The objective is to keep the area’s
architectural heritage intact and the environment
green, which has added benefits for local biodiversity.
The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake
House Estate Appraisal (2020) identifies why the
Conservation Area is particularly vulnerable to change:

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House

Estate has a character defined by the cumulative
contribution of individual decorative details and
Edwardian features. Recent alterations have resulted
in the loss of some of these features and the gradual
attrition of character. These changes may themselves
be relatively small when viewed against the context
of adapting an individual house but have a major
impact on the character and appearance of the
Conservation Area as a whole.
Many of these alterations – such as converting
front gardens into off-street parking – are currently
Permitted Development (i.e. can be undertaken
without planning permission). However, due to the

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 2 Alan Baxter
2.0 Roof
Loft Conversions
Design guide Chimney & flues
Renewable Rooflight
Energy
Interactive House
The adjacent diagram of a typical house in the
Exterior fixtures
Aldersbrook Conservation Area includes links to the
different parts of a typical Edwardian House and
advice about how to best care for these. Each section
includes advice on what will likely be considered Decorative detailing
favourably by the London Borough of Redbridge in
any planning application.
Windows
Porches

Brickwork

Extensions &
outbuildings Painting and render

Parking and
General
front gardens
maintenance

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 3 Alan Baxter
Roofs The historic roofing material in the Conservation Area from Asia, sometimes at lower cost, if frequently at
Design advice was slate although clay Plain Tiles (see middle photo greater environmental cost. Homeowners are strongly
• Homeowners are encouraged to retain and below) were used on some houses. Clay (and asbestos) encouraged to source visually distinctive Welsh slate
repair historic Welsh slates or Plain Tiles where tiles of varying types are now common. and have these laid in the vertically arranged, double-
they survive. lapped pattern characteristic of the Aldersbrook
Slate was generally Welsh slate (see right photo below),
• Slate roofs - Traditional Welsh slates laid Conservation Area. Where it is not possible to source
laid in a double-lapped pattern (where two upper slates
in a vertical, double-lapped pattern are these slates, alternatives should be matched in colour
overlie a slate beneath). Welsh slate is a hard-wearing
characteristic of the Conservation Area to the original roofslopes, avoiding the darker colours
and durable material and can last for two centuries
and should form the basis of any repairs or sometimes associated with imported or synthetic
where properly cared for but will usually need care
replacement. slates. Replacements in other materials will not
and maintenance from around 80-100 years in situ.
• Tiled roofs - These should be replaced with normally be acceptable.
In the Aldersbrook Conservation Area, repairs and
Plain Tiles, with careful reference to choosing maintenance to tiled roofs of all kinds will become Replacement tiled roofs should use historically
a colour which will blend well with the increasingly common as the estate increases in age appropriate Plain Tiles rather than Pan Tiles (see left
mellowed and weathered appearance of most through the twenty-first century. photo below) or other shaped tiles. The colour should
houses within the Conservation Area. be carefully selected to avoid a stark contrast with
• Broken, damaged or loose tiles and blocked Where they survive, the retention of original slates
the weathered appearance of the houses. ‘Heritage’
guttering and other rainwater goods should is strongly encouraged preferably with localised
appropriate mixes which use darker, weathered or
be a priority for repair and maintenance. repairs using matching slates. Where more significant
mixed tiles are likely to be most appropriate.
• The reinstatement of a slate roof where this roof repairs and alterations are being made, both
has previously been replaced with a less slates and Plain Tiles can be carefully removed and
appropriate alternative will be considered a reused and this approach is strongly encouraged.
heritage benefit. Alternatives to Welsh slates are available particularly

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 4 Alan Baxter
 Chimneys and flues
The Edwardian houses of the Aldersbrook
Design advice Conservation Area were built with individual chimneys
• Chimney stacks should be retained even serving internal fireplaces. The presence of chimney
where internal fireplaces have been removed. stacks articulates the roofs of the Conservation Area
• Repairs to chimneys should take account of and is a characteristic feature of every individual
the visual appearance of overall roofscape house and each group of roofs. Loss of chimneys has
and seek to mimic historically appropriate a significantly detrimental impact on the appreciation
solutions. of the area as a complete Edwardian suburb. The
• The reinstatement of chimney pots will be missing chimneys and uncharacteristically bare roofs
encouraged. These may vary in form and that result from their removal negatively detract from
appearance. the defined character of the Conservation Area. Every
• Flashing should be lead or lead-alternatives to effort should be made to keep and maintain chimneys
maintain a traditional appearance. stacks even where internal fireplaces have been
• Flues and pipework should be located on rear removed.
or secondary elevations wherever possible. Chimney pots are characteristic additions to
• Black or dark colours will usually be less Edwardian chimneys but can vary enormously in
visually obtrusive than white or metallic appearance. Where missing, the re-installation of
pipework. chimney pots is encouraged as a heritage benefit.
These can take a variety of forms and shapes and no
particular example is favoured over any other.
Preferably, the flashing around chimneys stacks
should be routinely checked to prevent leaks and
water ingress into the walls of properties. Flashing can
be replaced with lead or lead-alternatives to maintain
a traditional appearance.
Care should be taken to make sure that any flues
or pipes that emerge from the roof are not visually
obtrusive and do not add to a sense of visual clutter.
Pipes and flues should be discrete in appearance
and placement, preferably kept away from the front
elevations. Black or dark flues which mimic the
appearance of cast-iron are encouraged. White plastic
or metallic coloured pipes should be avoided.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 5 Alan Baxter
 Rooflights
Design advice
• Front-facing rooflights should be placed with
reference to placement of the windows on the
front elevation.
• Rooflights should be recessed into the plane of
the roof.
• ‘Conservation’-grade windows are
encouraged.

Rooflights associated with loft conversions can Randomly placed rooflights can appear cluttered
vary considerably in size, shape and placement. and can disrupt the visual unity of roof slopes. Where
Two-storey Edwardian houses were not built with they must be included on front-facing roof slopes,
accommodation in the roof and later loft conversions rooflights should be small in size (such as the example
should make efforts to avoid emphasising roof above) and placed with reference to the windows and
accommodation which can imbalance the proportions proportions of the front elevation.
and hierarchy of the front elevation and visually
Rooflights should also be recessed into the roof so
disrupt long-range views of roofscapes within the
that they do not project beyond the plane of the tiled
Conservation Area.
roof slope becoming unduly prominent in views of
Where placed carefully, rooflights can have a neutral roofs across the Conservation Area.
impact on the proportions and appearance of
In all cases, whether placed on the front or rear
individual houses. Conversely, where placed with
elevation ‘conservation’ grade rooflights, are
limited thought to the scale and proportions of
encouraged. This term covers a variety of products
the front elevation, they can have a significantly
marketed by different rooflight manufacturers but
detrimental appearance on both the individual house
are generally designed to be set into roof slopes, with
and the wider roofscape.
smaller openings.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 6 Alan Baxter
Renewable Energy
Design advice
• Sustainable energy solutions will usually be
acceptable on rear elevations, subject to
normal amenity considerations.
• Traditional photovoltaic and solar hot water
panels can be visually obtrusive. Where they
are to be placed on front roofslopes, they
should be chosen with care and consideration
of the appearance of the primary façade.
• Sustainable technologies which have been
designed for installation on historic roof (such
as slate roofs) will be considered on front
elevations subject to their sensitive placement
and neutral impact on the character and
appearance on the Conservation Area.
• Ground- and air-source heat pumps will
be appropriate on rear elevations subject
to normal amenity considerations and
satisfactory integration into the host building.
• Residential wind turbines will not normally be
acceptable on the roofs of houses within the
Conservation Area.

LB Redbridge delcared a Climate Emergency in June On front elevations, the impact to the character and The installation of ground- and air-source heat pumps
2019. The Council encourages efforts to improve appearance of the wider roofslope and of dynamic will generally be dependent on the discrete and
householder sustainability and to reduce dependence views in and around the Conservation Area will be a appropriate placement of secondary equipment and
on fossil fuels. There are many ways to achieve material consideration in determining whether PV or other amenity considerations, which will rarely be
this – the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels and other panels are acceptable. Whilst more expensive, acceptable on the front elevation of houses. These will
solar hot water panels on south -facing roofslopes is products such as Solar Tiles, which have been be expected to be properly and appropriately integrated
becoming more and more popular. designed for installation on slate roofs with minimum into the fabric of the house: pipes from windows will
visual impact are becoming more widely available rarely be acceptable, even on rear elevations.
Where sustainable energy measures can be integrated
and affordable. The Council will look favourably on
with minimal harm to the character and appearance As a result of increasing visual clutter and prominence,
solutions to integrate PVs and other forms of roof-
of the Aldersbrook Conservation Area, they are residential wind turbines will generally not be acceptable
mounted panels where they have been chosen to
encouraged. Rear-facing roofslopes or the roofs of on the roofslopes of houses within the Conservation
respond to the aesthetic of historic roofs.
ancillary garden buildings will usually be acceptable Area. These may be acceptable in rear gardens subject to
locations for their installation. amenity and other planning considerations.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 7 Alan Baxter
 Exterior fixtures
Design advice
• Light fittings, burglar alarms and other fittings
required on front elevations should be as small
as possible, of a sympathetic design/colour
and located in discreet locations that do not
disrupt the reading of the façade.
• With the exception of burglar alarms, all other
fittings should be limited to a single discreet
area of the front façade.
• Damage to, removal of or covering up of
architectural detailing will not be acceptable
for the purposes of installing any such systems.

A number of modern fittings are frequently desired The largest element often fixed to external elevations
by home owners such as lighting systems and remote are TV/radio aerials and satellite dishes. As the
sensors. Where these need to be installed, care should Aldersbrook Conservation Area’s character and
be taken to select models which are of minimum size appearance is so dependent on the architectural
and of a sympathetic design and to locate them in character and integrity of the front façade of houses,
discreet locations that do not impact the reading of every effort should be made to incorporate these
the historic façade. elements within the roof voids or, where this is not
possible, on rear elevations away from windows
Burglar alarms work as much by visible deterrent
and decorative or ornamental features and out of
as by functioning alarm and a balance must be
both near and distant public view. Old or obselete
struck between visibility and visual obtrusiveness
equipment should be removed.
inappropriate to Conservation Area. Old or obsolete
equipment should be removed and alarms restricted
to a single exterior box, placed carefully to avoid
damage to rubbed brick, terracotta detailing, original
plasterwork or any other vulnerable architectural detail.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 8 Alan Baxter
Decorative detailing
Design advice
• Repair and replacement of decorative detailing
is strongly encouraged and will be considered
a heritage benefit.

One of the particular delights of the Aldersbrook

Conservation Area is the prevalence of individual
design detailing and decorative finishes which
contribute to a distinctive sense of place. This includes
but is not limited to:
• wrought iron balustrades
• decorative barge-boards found on many
projecting gables,
• wooden or terracotta finials that adorn the ridge of
such gables
• shaped, ornamental roof tiles that run along many
roof ridges.
• decorative fretwork on porches,
• projecting oriel windows;
• decorative plasterwork;
• terracotta details and house name plates
• tiled pathways and porches

Every effort to conserve, maintain and if necessary

replace these details is encouraged as preserving the
special and distinctive character of the Conservation
Area. Removal of these details will rarely be
appropriate whereas efforts to reinstate them will be
considered a heritage benefit.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 9 Alan Baxter
The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 10 Alan Baxter
Brickwork Along with brickwork, mortar choice and thickness of Cement mortars are not suitable for Edwardian houses
Design advice its application can dramatically alter the appearance of and will encourage moisture retention, damp and the
• Lime mortars rather than cement mortars a house. Any repairs, alterations or extensions should spalling of brickwork, including carved or rubbed brick
should be used for repointing of exposed closely match the brick type and colour, bond and and terracotta detailing. Any new works to existing
brickwork. mortar of the original house where this is visible. brickwork should employ lime mortars and this will be
• Repointing should preferably be carried out by expected to be evidenced in planning applications.
Mortars are designed to be replaced every 20 -30 years
a conservation-experienced professional and New extensions that are built with cavity walls and
and repointing of brick walls should be considered
should at least match the existing pointing in damp-proof membranes may reasonably use cement
as part of any long-term maintenance programme.
terms of thickness and colour. mortars but lime-mortars remain the best option for
Lime mortars form part of the normal pathway for
• The use of cement mortars can have the longevity of brickwork.
moisture escaping from the building. The mortar
serious consequences for the longevity and preferentially decays, allowing the bricks to remain Householders are advised to be sparing in the use
appearance of brickwork and architectural undamaged. Where lime mortar has been replaced of de-icing salts around brick walls, pathways and
detailing. by cement mortar, moisture will be unable to escape structures as the absorption of salts can lead to
• The use of de-icing salts is not recommended and will instead leach through the softer brickwork similarly damaging effects and staining (see right
around brick walls or pathways. If alternatives leading to their erosion rather than the mortar. Flaking photo below).
are not practical, de-icing salts should be used of brickwork, known as ‘spalling’ can be a sign that
sparingly. inappropriate cement renders have been applied (see
middle photo below).

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 11 Alan Baxter
Painting and Render
The majority of houses in the Conservation Area are It is particularly important to use paints that are
Design advice faced with attractive, orange-red bricks. Collectively, appropriate to solid wall construction. Many paints
• Coating of exposed brick or stone elevations with this makes an important contribution to the character advertised as ‘masonry’ or ‘exterior’ paints are
render, roughcast or paint will not be acceptable. and appearance of the Aldersbrook Conservation plastic-based and are designed for modern, cavity-
• Where stucco or roughcast survives unpainted, Area and, consequently, the painting of exposed brick wall construction. Application of such paints to
effort should be made to sympathetically elevations will be resisted by the Council. the solid walls and render of the houses within the
repair the historic fabric without painting. Aldersbrook Conservation Area can lead to issues of
Some houses are faced with stucco or roughcast
• Repainting of painted stucco or roughcast damp and decay, internally as well as externally. Any
plaster which may or may not have been painted
will generally be considered acceptable if overpainting should use lime-based paints, sometimes
originally - where painted, it was generally carried out
undertaken in an appropriate lime-based paint. referred to as ‘breathable’ paints and the type of paint
in white or off-white shades. These often look softer
• The traditional colour to paint elements of the should be demonstrated at the time of application.
than the brilliant white of some modern paints.
façade was white or another pastel colour. The repainting of pre-painted elements as part of
Other colours may be appropriate depending The buff colour of unpainted roughcast render is
ongoing maintenance would be acceptable, given
on how they interact with the rest of the façade a characteristic element of the Conservation Area
it is undertaken in an appropriate medium and
and street scene. and where this survives unpainted, its retention is
colour. White was most frequently used at the time
strongly encouraged. Original render finishes are
of construction but other, generally pastel or muted
now a century old however, and it is recognised that
colours were popular in the Edwardian period. The
they may need to be updated or overpainted as
glossy, darker paints that we commonly associate with
part of maintenance needs. Where this is necessary,
exterior painting today were not introduced until the
sympathetic render repairs are the first preference.
middle of the twentieth-century. Whilst white and
Any other treatment requires a solid justification to be
lighter colours are more historically appropriate other
demonstrated for it to be considered acceptable.
colours may be acceptable where they complement
the rest of the façade.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 12 Alan Baxter
 Windows Historically the houses in the Aldersbrook
Design advice Conservation Area had single-glazed, timber
• Existing timber-framed windows should be framed windows. Where these survive, these
maintained. should preferably be maintained as they contribute
• Where improvements are to be made to significantly to the sense of an intact Edwardian
timber-framed windows, compression seals suburb. It is understood that modern timbers are not
(casement windows) and brushes & boxes always as hard-wearing as the original so a variety of
(sash windows) and/or shutters will usually be timbers may be explored as replacements.
acceptable. Many historic windows across the Conservation
• Replacement of existing double glazing Area have been replaced with uPVC double-glazed
units with updated alternatives should be units, due to the desire to improve energy efficiency.
timber, slimline and close in shape and style Unfortunately, these usually have thicker glazing bars
to Edwardian window designs from the which are not characteristic of Edwardian houses in
Aldersbrook Conservation Area. the area. Increasing numbers of such windows can
• Casement or sash windows will be considered detract from the character of the Conservation Area.
appropriate rather than top-hung or tilt-and- Timber framed double glazing units are becoming
turn mechanisms (with the exception of top- increasingly available. Wherever existing double
hung upper lights). glazing is proposed to be replaced, timber double
• Replacement or reinstatement of traditional glazing units of an appearance and proportion more
window patterns (e.g: six small lights over akin to the original timber-framed windows will be
a single pane) will be considered a heritage sought.
benefit.
In all cases where timber frames survive, secondary
glazing, shutters and alternative draught-proofing
measures are strongly encouraged to be explored
rather than replacement with double glazing units.
Draught-proofing with compression seals (casement
windows) and brushes and carrier boxes (sash
windows) and/or the installation of timber shutters
can significantly improve energy efficiency. Where
this is not enough, secondary glazing units may be
considered as an alternative and then replacement
with timber double glazing.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 13 Alan Baxter
 Wrought iron or fret-cut timber porches with stained
glass door surrounds are a distinctive and attractive
feature of the Conservation Area and make a major
contribution to its architectural character. Where
they survive, every effort should be made to maintain
and repair decorative detailing including slate tiled,
projecting storm porches.
The removal of projecting porches of historic character
will rarely be acceptable. New porches are generally
not encouraged as they can obscure the designed
façade of the building, but, where they are proposed,
they should preferably be of a type historically
appropriate within the Conservation Area: open to the
elements and proportioned with thought to the scale
and appearance of the front elevation.
Replacement porches should also be appropriate in
scale and appearance to the historic character of the
building, whatever size and form of porch they seek to
Porches replace.
Recessed porches are also important and are
Design advice characteristic of the Aldersbrook Conservation Area.
• Where historic porches survive these should be They create depth and interest in the façade and often
maintained with particular care taken to retain include attractive decorative tiling, sometimes at the
and conserve historic detailing (i.e. stained glass). lower level beneath a projecting moulding (the ‘dado
• The infilling of recessed porches will generally rail’). Across the Conservation Area, some recessed
not be acceptable, conversely, the opening-up porches have been closed off with the insertion of a
of closed-off recessed porches is encouraged. second set of exterior doors. These can negate the
• New porches are generally discouraged. visual contribution to the special interest of the house
Where replacement porches are proposed, and street scene and can obscure the front door and
they should be open to the elements and tiling, where this survives. The infilling of recessed
respect the historic proportions of the façade. porches is discouraged and where these have already
• Reinstatement of historically appropriate tiling, been installed, their opening up will be encouraged.
moulding, cast-iron or timber detailing will be Reinstatement with appropriate tiling will also be
considered a heritage benefit. encouraged as a heritage benefit.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 14 Alan Baxter
 Front gardens and
parking
Original brick walls and tiled pathways, or historic
Design advice replacements in a similar and appropriate style, are
• Where they survive, historic boundary walls and increasingly rare. These evidence the original appearance
garden paths will be a priority for retention. of the Conservation Area and contribute significantly to
• The removal of boundary walls and/or tiled its character. Their retention will be actively sought with
garden paths and the replacement of front the loss of front boundary treatments of any sort resisted.
gardens with hard standing will be resisted. Reinstatement of brick boundary walls, conversely, will
• The reinstatement of front boundary treatments, be supported as a heritage benefit. Where alterations
especially with brick garden walls, is encouraged. have already been carried out, every effort should be
• Where front gardens have been replaced made to retain any remaining garden paths, boundary
with hard-standing, increases in the area of wall elements and soft landscaping. The reintroduction
soft-planting and decreases in the area of of some form of masonry boundary, traditional paving
hard-standing will be actively encouraged for in-keeping with the historic pathway and substantive
heritage and environmental benefits. planting will be considered a heritage benefit.
• Bicycle stores are encouraged at the rear of The replacement of soft-planting with hard-standing
properties. Planning permission is likely to be (which includes gravel surfaces, grasscrete and other
required if installed in front gardens as the store’s ‘permeable’ treatments) has usually been carried out
massing, design and materials will need to respond under the pressure to create parking spaces. Not only
to the character of the façade and streetscene. does this lessen the verdant and planted character of
the Conservation Area, decrease biodiversity and have a
Planted front gardens make a major contribution to visually urbanising effect, it decreases the permeability
the Conservation Area’s ecological habitat and defined of the ground, increasing water run-off and overloading
character, giving a sense of a verdant, suburban estate. Edwardian sewer and drain systems. Combined with
The Aldersbrook Estate was not laid out to accommodate the increase in high rainfall events associated with
twenty-first century levels of car ownership. As a result, climate change, surface water flooding is predicted
parking pressure has resulted in many front gardens having to be an increasing problem as a result. Residents are
been converted into off-road parking. This typically includes encouraged to increase planted areas and reduce hard-
the demolition of the boundary wall, removal of the standing within front gardens, whether already paved
garden path and the replacement of the front garden with or otherwise, to enhance character and mitigate for
hard-standing. These alterations have had a substantial, climate change.
negative impact on the Aldersbrook Conservation Area’s In addition to off-road parking, bicycle stores have
character and appearance. It is a significant priority for the also appeared within the Conservation Area. These are
management of the Conservation Area to try and reduce encouraged at the rear of properties. If located in a front
any further loss of character through the loss of planted garden, although less intrusive than hard standing, their
front gardens, hedges and front boundary walls. massing, design and materials will still need careful
consideration and will likely need planning permission.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 15 Alan Baxter
 General Maintenance
Design advice
• ‘Little and often’ maintenance.
• Retain as much historic fabric as possible.
• Complete replacement should only take place
when absolutely necessary and should follow
the form, placement and design of the original,
and preferably be constructed of like-for-like
materials.
• If no like-for-like material is available, a suitable
modern alternative which best reflects the
historic form, colour and texture should be
chosen.

Maintenance is the key element in active conservation

of the historic environment.
Historic decorative details can be fragile; the best
way to maintain them is through a ‘little and often’
approach to maintenance. Where repairs are required,
as much historic fabric should be conserved as possible
with complete replacement a last resort. Where
replacement is necessary like-for-like materials should
be used, if available. If this is not possible, a suitable
modern alternative (i.e. aluminium for a cast iron
drainpipe) will generally be acceptable where it reflects
the appearance of the original as closely as possible.
The reinstatement of missing decorative details such as:
• Decorative treatments to gable ends
• Bargeboards, finials and ridge tiles
• Pargetting panels
• Porches and historic glazed doors with surrounds
• Name plaques and date markers
• Balconies and historic, tiled garden paths
will be welcomed.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 16 Alan Baxter
Loft Conversions Loft conversions require the provision of additional Residents are encouraged to consider pitched roof
Design advice natural light, head-room and ventilation to converted dormers, either single or paired, as a more visually
• Roof alterations will generally only acceptable lofts as well as the relocation of services. Alterations appropriate option for providing head room. All
on rear facing roofslopes. to the front roofslope of properties within the dormers, including box dormers, should have
• Rooflights may be acceptable on front Conservation Area will rarely be acceptable as such ridgelines set down from the primary roof ridge,
elevations subject to sympathetic placement changes can significantly imbalance the proportions preferably by 0.5m. To better respect the scale of the
and other detailing (see Rooflights) but are and appearance of the host building and appear existing roofslope, dormers should preferably be set
generally discouraged. overbearing relative to neighbouring properties. in from the sides of the roof by 1m, whether that is a
• Dormer windows should be set down from the Where the addition of a rooflight is unavoidable, gable-end or shared with an adjoining property,and
roof ridge by 0.5m and inset from the sides of see Rooflights. should be set back from the plane of the rear elevation
the property and rear elevation by 1m. by 1m. This will more easily achieve a subordinate
A discussion of loft conversions therefore relates to
• The above minimum amounts may be loft conversion that respects the scale of the existing
changes to the rear rooflslopes of buildings within the
reduced where appropriately designed and historic roof slope. Where pitched roofed dormers are
Conservation Area. There are three standard options
proportioned pitched-roofed dormers are proposed rather than box dormers, there may be an
to achieve additional accommodation in the roof of
proposed. opportunity to review these minimum offsets where
a pitched-roofed house with increasing degrees of
an acceptable visual appearance can be achieved.
visual dominance:
Finishes that reflect the original roofing material are
• Install rooflights
strongly encouraged to achieve the most historically
• Install dormer windows
appropriate finish. Thought should be given to
• Create a box dormer
cladding, flashing and the appearance and finish of
the window frames.
Box dormers are common within the Conservation
Area and whilst they achieve internal space, they can The diagrams below illustrate the above points but
inappropriately dominate secondary views within the should not be followed slavishly in terms of design.
Conservation Area. Each application will be judged individually.

0.5 m 0.5 m 0.5 m

1m

1m 1m 1m 1m

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 17 Alan Baxter
 Extensions and
outbuildings
Although a rear extension or outbuilding will likely not
Design advice be seen from the main streetscape, it will be highly
• Extensions or outbuildings should be located visible from the rear windows of the surrounding
to the rear. houses. The design of any new structure should
• Outbuildings at the side of corner plots will not respond to the scale, massing and materials of the
generally be acceptable. main house. This does not mean that the design of
• The location of outbuildings should take into the main house needs to be slavishly repeated; the
account the location of existing trees (which aim is not to imitate but to respect the character of
should be retained). the existing house and to maintain the primacy of the
• The design of new extensions or outbuildings main house in terms of scale and appearance.
should be in sympathy with and in proportion The ridgeline of any new extension should respect the
to the main house. historic placement of windows on the rear elevation
• Where extensions or structures can be seen and, where it is a monopitched roof, will be expected
from the road, it is particularly important that to be lower than the cill-heights of first floor windows.
scale, materials and appearance respect the This results in extensions which better respect the
character of the Conservation Area. scale and proportions of the original house and are
• Extensions with monopitched roofs should generally less visually obtrusive from neighbouring
meet the rear elevation of the house at a point properties.
lower than the cills of the first-floor windows.
• Where necessary, historic garages can be Where such rear extensions and outbuildings are
altered, extended or replaced if there is visible from the road, it is particularly important that
sufficient justification and the design responds the form, scale and materials reflects the character of
well to the main house but the retention of the Conservation Area.
early garages is encouraged. Some properties in the Conservation Area have
early garages which were contemporary with their
construction. Their retention is encouraged. Alteration,
Opportunities to extend properties generally exist to the extension or replacement of these structures may be
rear. It is unlikely that outbuildings would be acceptable acceptable depending on a sympathetic design which
to the side of a dwelling on a corner plot. The generous uses traditional materials and reflects the scale and
rear gardens, which are largely hidden from view from design of the original house.
the street, provide an obvious area for expansion. The
location of outbuildings should take into account the
location existing trees (which should be retained).

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 18 Alan Baxter
Conversion and New build
subdivision
The Aldersbrook Conservation Area remains a may stipulate that any such new dwellings will not Due to the dense layout of streets and survival
largely residential suburb comprised of single- benefit from the right to parking permits at the of the historic houses of the estate, there are
family dwellings. Subdividing these into more time of their conversion or in the future. limited opportunities for new buildings within
residential units requires planning permission the Aldersbrook Conservation Area. However,
A small number of properties have already been
and, if consented, would likely result in increased where this is contemplated, the design of the new
subdivided and in these instances measures to
pressure for car parking, subdivision of gardens structure will need to respect the overall character
improve the condition of the property and reduce
and other extensions and alterations to of the estate as well as specifically complementing
the visual impact of increased facilities (i.e. bin
properties, all of which cumulatively erode the the interest and massing of adjacent properties.
stores) will be encouraged.
defined character of the Conservation Area. Whilst This does not mean the new structure should
this may not necessarily have a noticeable impact The conversion of garages should not involve slavishly mimick the historic houses, but should
at the level of the individual house, if undertaken the loss of off-road parking as this will place ever respond to its surroundings. This could mean
across the Conservation Area its subsequent greater pressure on roadside parking. using existing materials in a new way, echoing the
effects would have a substantially harmful effect massing, form or fenestration pattern of existing
on character. As such, subdivision of single buildings or another contemporary architectural
dwellings will not generally be acceptable within response to the character of the Conservation
the Conservation Area. However, this will be Area. In line with LB Redbridge’s guidance on
evaluated on a case by case basis. good design, all new development should also
be of a very high quality and use high-quality
A few buildings within the Conservation Area were
materials and workmanship.
not originally designed as residential dwellings
but as ancillary buildings such as coach houses It is strongly recommended that, in developing
or garages. Conversion of these to residential use design for new build on the estate, advice is
may be acceptable if undertaken in a way that sought from the Council’s Conservation Officer
is sympathetic to the original structure and uses at an early stage who will be able to guide the
matching materials. To protect the character and developing design and give it the highest chance
appearance of the Conservation Area, the Council of success through the planning process.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 19 Alan Baxter
Public realm applications should ideally be reviewed by the Council’s Dropped kerbs and vehicular crossovers have an
Conservation Officer. Where necessary to remove a tree, urbanising effect on the Conservation Area and these
The previous sections of this document set out
replacement planting of a suitable age and species will will generally be resisted.
design guidance for alterations and extensions to
be expected at or near the site of the original.
individual properties. This Chapter offers guidance to LB Redbridge will review and, where possible, expand
LB Redbridge, and other stakeholders on how to best
manage collective elements of the Conservation Area
Signage the provision of Electric Vehicle Charging Points
Street signage follows the well-established ‘London’ (EVCPs) across the Conservation Area.
as a whole: street trees, lighting, signage and
form and contributes to the Conservation Area’s
pavements. This will be undertaken in conjunction with
unique sense of place. Replacement or new signage Street lighting
other relevant Council departments. Street lighting is generally modern and unsympathetic
should continue this style.
to the historic appearance of the Conservation Area.
Street trees
Trees, including street trees, contribute significantly to
Pavements & Crossovers Due consideration should be given to replacing the
Natural stone paving materials and kerbs should be standards and lighting with fitments more in keeping
the character of the Conservation Area. All trees within with their surroundings.
the Conservation Area enjoy protection under Tree retained. Where these have been lost, reinstatement
Preservation Orders. Where works to trees are with traditional stone paving will be strongly
proposed, the Council must be notified at least six encouraged. Tarmac pavements are not
weeks in advance. Any Tree Preservation Order in-keeping with the character and appearance of the
Conservation Area and are discouraged.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 20 Alan Baxter
 3.0 Additional guidance

3.0
Planning policy
National guidance Historic England guidance Conservation Area Appraisal, Designation
Additional guidance to help owners of historic houses and Management Second Edition, Historic
National Design Guide (2019) in making decisions about the maintenance, repair England Advice Note 1 (2019)
The government has published a National Design and alteration of their homes is provided in the advice Historic England Advice Note 1 (2019) advocates
Guide which forms part of the Planning Practice section of Historic England’s website. the management of change in a way that conserves
Guidance suite (PPG). The National Design Guide The page entitled ‘Your Home’ provides links to and enhances the character and appearance of
outlines and illustrates the Government’s priorities for guidance regarding making changes to historic historic areas through conservation area appraisal,
well-designed places, including identity, built form, homes, including what permission might be required designation and management. Chapter six is of
and homes and buildings. These characteristics are to make changes to historic homes, and general particular relevance; it gives general advice on how
considered to create the character of a well-designed principles and advice on the most common types of the character and appearance of a conservation area
place, and potentially enhance the character of the alterations. Other pages in this section include one might be enhanced.
local historic environment. entitled ‘Owning an Older Home’, which provides
According to the guide, a National Model Design access to guidance on living in a conservation area, Making Changes to Heritage Assets Second
Code will set out detailed standards for key elements and ‘Looking After Your Home’, which contains links to Edition, Historic England Advice Note 2 (2016)
of successful design. The Code will be informed by advice on maintenance and repair. This advice note provides information on repair,
the final report of Building Better, Building Beautiful restoration, addition and alteration works to heritage
Further guidance is provided in the following Advice
Commission, and will be consulted upon in early 2020. Notes. assets, including changes within conservation areas.

The Aldersbrook Conservation Area and Lake House Estate Design Guide / 1881-170 / October 2020 21 Alan Baxter
Alan Baxter
Prepared by Victoria Bellamy, Alice Eggeling & Javier Gamez
Reviewed by William Filmer-Sankey and Robert Hradsky
Draft issued July 2020

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