Conservation Areas

Section 69 of the Civic Amenities Act 1969 gives local councils the power to designate as Conservation Areas "areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance".

Designation gives control over the demolition of buildings and provides the basis for policies designed to preserve or enhance all the aspects of character or appearance that define an area's special interest.

How are conservation areas chosen for designation?

Conservation Areas vary, ranging from historic town centres to industrial and rural villages.

They are designated usually because of their buildings but they can also be designated because of their history, architecture, layout or private spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens, trees or street furniture. Conservation Areas give broader protection than listing individual buildings and all features within the area, listed or otherwise, are recognised as part of its character.

Who designates conservation areas?

Local Authorities have the power to designate and have done so with areas that the public generally feel have a special character worth protecting or enhancing.

What does designation mean?

Within a Conservation Area, Local Authorities have extra controls over the following:

Demolition Demolition of a building or partial demolition (demolition which exceeds 115 cubic meters) needs Conservation Area Consent. Generally the Local Authority would view an application from the stand point of trying to retain the building so a case needs to be made for its demolition. There are no fees for this application and there is a right of appeal against refusal.

Minor developments In a Conservation Area, you may need planning permission for changes to buildings which would normally be permitted.

Trees Anyone proposing to cut down, top or lop a tree in a Conservation Area, whether or not it is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, has to give the Local Authority notice. Consideration will be given to the contribution the tree makes to the character of the Conservation Area and, if necessary, a Tree Preservation Order will be served to protect it.

Local Authority Enhancement Schemes within conservation areas

The Local Authority consults widely on proposals affecting conservation areas. This might include periodic enhancement schemes including proposals to:

• Prepare development briefs for sites in conservation areas
• Ensure that new buildings harmonise with their neighbours
• Make environmental improvements
• Ensure that traffic control measures harmonise with the character of the area
• Make grants available for the repair of buildings

Further information on enhancement schemes and conservation area appraisals can be obtained from Planning Policy.

See if your property is within a conservation area