Conservation Advice

General information about conservation 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.

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.

What does living in a Conservation Area mean?

Living in a Conservation Area doesn't mean no development is allowed! Instead, applications are given special consideration to ensure that development preserves or enhances the area.

Living in a Conservation Area means that consent is usually required for such development as; satellite dishes (on certain elevations), demolition, dormer windows or small extensions.

Most residents of Conservation Areas see them as a positive way to preserve the area they choose to live in.

More information on what you can and can't do within a Conservation area can be found on this site.

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.