Conservation

The legal definition of a Conservation Area is set out in Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as being:

"an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".

Download a guide to Planning in Conservation Areas below:

PDF  Guide to Planning in Conservation Areas - 18/11/2004 : 443Kb

Conservation Areas are primarily concerned with the built environment. They are not appropriate as a means of protecting landscape features, except where they form an integral part of the character of the historic built environment.

When applications for Planning Permission are made for any form of development within a conservation area, the Council must pay special attention to how these proposals would affect the character or appearance of the conservation area. Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 ("The Act") requires that Local Authorities take into consideration the desirability of preserving or enhancing character or appearance, and this requirement extends to all planning powers, not just to those which relate directly to historic buildings. This requirement may also be considered in assessing development which is proposed outside a conservation area, but which might affect the setting of the conservation area, or key views into or out of it.

The designation of a conservation area is not intended to prevent all changes. Change can be a positive force, especially those which would enhance the character of the area.

There are specific controls over the demolition of buildings, including boundary walls within Conservation Areas. Trees are also protected from felling too. It is therefore advisable to contact the Conservation Officer to ascertain if permission is required for any proposal to demolish buildings and other structures within a Conservation Area.

Generally, in a conservation area, preservation can be achieved by the refusal of permission for the demolition and/or alteration of any building or structure where this work would result in damage to the character or appearance of the area. Enhancement may be achieved by the use of Development Control powers and by design guidance to owners and occupiers in the area.

Development in a Conservation Area can also be restricted through Article 4 Direction. This is where some or all 'permitted development' rights (work that would not normally require planning permission) have been removed from a site or area.

Download Conservation Area consent forms

At present there is no fee payable for an application for Conservation Area Consent.