Conservation Areas
Information on Conservation Areas and restrictions on developments, demolition and work to trees within these areas.
What is a Conservation Area?
A Conservation Area is defined as an area of special architectural or historic interest whose character or appearance is worthy of preservation or enhancement. Their 'specialness' is judged against local and regional criteria.
Conservation Areas in Solihull
There are 20 Conservation Areas in Solihull. They vary greatly in nature and character and are as follows :
- Ashleigh Road Conservation Area
- Barston Conservation Area
- Berkswell Conservation Area
- Bickenhill Conservation Area
- Castle Bromwich Conservation Area
- Granville Road Conservation Area
- Grove Avenue Conservation Area
- Hampton-in-Arden Conservation Area
- Knowle Conservation Area
- Malvern Hall and Brueton Avenue Conservation Area
- Malvern Park Farm Conservation Area
- Meriden Green Conservation Area
- Meriden Hill Conservation Area
- Olton Conservation Area
- Solihull Conservation Area
- Station Approach Dorridge Conservation Area
- Temple Balsall Conservation Area
- Walsal End Conservation Area
- Warwick Road Conservation Area
- Whitehouse Green Conservation Area
Within these areas there are tighter controls over planning permission for new development as well as additional planning controls to protect an area's special interest.
How are conservation areas chosen?
There is no standard specification for conservation areas and there are many different types ranging from small groups of buildings to town centres. Conservation Areas are usually designated 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.
Who designates Conservation Areas?
The Council has the power to designate conservation areas.
How Do I Request my Area Becomes a Conservation Area?
By making a formal written request to the Council, explaining the basis for it in as much detail as possible.
What special controls apply in Conservation Areas?
Planning applications in conservation areas are subject to more regulations than a standard application. Any planning application within a Conservation Area will receive additional scrutiny to establish whether the nature of the proposed development would at least preserve and if possible enhance the area's special qualities.
The following additional planning controls apply within Conservation Areas:
Demolition
With a few minor exceptions, no building or part of a building can be demolished or removed without conservation area consent from the council. When carrying out works to a building in a conservation area its repair or alteration should not involve the removal of parts of the building such as chimney stacks, decorative mouldings, cast iron balconies and boundary walls, without this specific consent.
Trees
Generally, no work may be carried out on trees, such as lopping or felling, without first obtaining consent from the council.
Design
The council may require more detail in planning applications and will examine them more carefully to make sure the bulk materials, design and colours of the proposal are sympathetic to the area. This not only includes new buildings but also extensions and new shop fronts.
Signs
Consent is required to display an illuminated advertisement and some non-illuminated advertisements depending on their size and siting.
Minor Alterations
The following are some examples of minor alterations to houses in Conservation Areas, which will need consent from the council.
- dormer windows
- cladding the exterior walls of a house
- the installation of satellite antennae depending on size and location
- the erection of extensions and other free standing
buildings depending on their size and location.
How do you gain consent to carry out work in a conservation areas?
Formal consent must be gained by submitting an application to the Council. For advice and to obtain the appropriate forms see the contact details below.
New development in conservation areas
Conservation Area legislation helps to ensure that the natural process of renewal and change in urban and rural areas is managed, to preserve and enhance the best of the past and allow for sympathetic new development. General planning standards are applied sensitively in the interest of harmonising new development with its neighbours in the Conservation Area. The Council therefore looks very carefully at the design of new development and has policies in the local plan which seek to control changes in Conservation Areas. Where planning permission or Conservation Area consent is required, proposals are advertised on site and in the local press to allow for comments from the public.
What policies are used to control development? Our main body of conservation policy is in the Unitary Development Plan which includes conservation policy with wider planning policies for the area. Policies in the Conservation section generally presume against the loss of features which add to the special interest of the areas. These policies are used in the determination of planning applications in conservation areas.
Local residents and businesses generally are fully aware that areas have been designated and how their character and appearance are protected.
Advice and Guidance
The staff of Planning and Development Services will be pleased to assist you with any queries you may have regarding conservation areas.
Contact Details
Planning Services are committed to providing an efficient and accurate service to members of the public via the Internet. If you feel essential content is missing from our online service, please contact us using the link below or alternatively contact our office on: -
Telephone: 0121 704 6373.
Fax: 0121 704 6592
Email: developmentcontrol@solihull.gov.uk
You can also write to us at: -
Planning Services
PO Box11652
Solihull
West Midlands
B91 9YA
You can also use the Contact Development Control Form