Many properties in the area still retain original architectural features both externally and internally. These include double hung timber vertical sliding sash windows, panelled front doors, fanlights with leaded lights, ornamental iron work to railings and balconies, stucco cornices and window surrounds, stone entrance steps, porticos and door cases.

These special features increase the value of your property and contribute to the character of the area as a whole. Owners are therefore encouraged to maintain and repair the original features wherever possible. Where renewal is unavoidable or features are missing, the Council encourages owners to reinstate these with traditional materials and matching designs.

Modern flat or neo-Georgian front doors, aluminium pivot windows or UPVC double-glazed sashes would look out of place and spoil the character of the area.

Existing brickwork, including chimney stacks, should be properly maintained and repointed and should not be painted or rendered. Gutters, hoppers and other rainwater goods need regular inspection. Water penetration and vegetation growth can result in expensive repairs.

If you have any queries or would like more information on maintenance and repair, the Council's Planning Department will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Existing garages, stables and coach houses contribute to the character of the conservation area. Their external appearance should be retained.

Rear extensions
Rear extensions need to be subordinate to the mass and height of the main building. The Council will not normally permit full width rear extensions higher than one storey or half width extensions higher than two storeys in total.

Front areas
The Council will not permit the filling in or covering over of front basement areas or the widening of front entrance steps. The council will resist the creation of hardstandings for vehicles in front gardens. Dustbins and meter enclosures should be discreetly located so as to be invisible from the street. New garages or car parks will not be allowed at the front or side of properties in the area.

Porches and porticos
Existing porticos should be retained and should remain unenclosed. Missing porticos in St. Paul's Road should be reinstated, particularly at 218-274.

Shopfronts
Original historic shopfronts contribute to the character and appearance of the area and should be kept. New shops where permitted need to reflect traditional design and materials such as painted timber, iron and render/stucco. Natural aluminium is not acceptable. Full guidance is given in the Council's Shopfront Design Guide.

Front boundary walls and railings
Canonbury has a considerable variety of boundary treatments. Traditional railings, brick walls and hedges to front gardens and corner properties are an important feature of the streetscene. The Council will not give permission for the alteration or removal of original  or traditional front walls and railings or their footings and will encourage owners to maintain and reinstate traditional designs. In Northampton Park the high stock brick walls with piers and stone copings should be retained and replicated where missing. The unusual rubble walls at 29-43 Wallace Road should also be kept.

Vents and flues
The erection of vents and flues at the rear of commercial property can be harmful to amenity. Where possible existing chimney stacks should be used. Any new flues should be modest, appropriately located and painted a dark colour or enclosed in brickwork. Flues or vents on front elevations will not be permitted.

Satellite dishes and telecommunication equipment
Satellite dishes must be located at the rear of properties so as not to be visible from the street. Telecommunication equipment must be located very sensitively in relation to public views and people's homes.

Advertisements and signs
Signs and advertisements can detract from the visual amenity of the area and need to be appropriately designed and located. Internally illuminated signs will not normally be permitted. The Council will resist advertisements on the sides of buildings and take legal action against unauthorised hoardings and "estate agents" boards.