The streets and buildings of our towns and villages are part of the historic character of England. Each townscape tells the story of its unique development and gives us a sense of place, continuity and cultural identity.
Where these places are of special architectural or historic interest or deserve to receive careful protection, they can be designated as conservation areas.
However, this does not mean that they have to remain frozen in time: change is often necessary to accommodate the demands of modern living. When historic areas are the subject of proposals for new development, the challenge is how to preserve or enhance, rather than harm, their special character.
What is a Conservation Area?
Conservation areas are 'areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. Introduced in 1967, during the past 40 years they have proved an effective mechanism for enabling local authorities to manage change on an area-wide basis.
Today, conservation areas are a crucial component of local identity and community cohesion; the element of England’s heritage that is all around us and that touches all our lives. There are now over 9,600 conservation areas in England.
Types of conservation areas
Conservation areas vary greatly in their nature and character.
They range from the centres of historic towns and cities, through fishing and mining villages, 18th and 19th century suburbs, model housing estates and country houses set in their historic parks, to historic transport links and their environs, such as stretches of canal.
The special character of these areas does not come from the quality of their buildings alone. The historic layout of roads, paths and boundaries; characteristic building and paving materials; a particular 'mix' of building uses; public and private spaces, such as gardens, parks and greens; and trees and street furniture, which contribute to particular views - all these and more make up the familiar local scene.
Who designates them?
Local authorities have the power to designate as conservation areas any area of 'special architectural or historic interest' whose character or appearance is worth protecting or enhancing. This 'specialness' is judged against local and regional criteria, rather than national importance as is the case with listed buildings.
In exceptional circumstances, English Heritage can designate conservation areas in London, where we have to consult the relevant Borough Council and obtain the consent of the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.
The Secretary of State can also designate in exceptional circumstances - usually where the area is of more than local interest.
How does this affect me?
Generally there is a presumption in favour of protecting and retaining buildings and other elements which make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area.
For many owners any tighter restrictions or additional costs, for such things as special building materials, are more than outweighed by the pleasure they derive from living in such an area.
Conservation Area Consent is required for the total or substantial demolition of any building within a conservation area (see how to apply for conservation area consent).
Local authorities have additional powers under planning legislation (eg Article 4 Directions) to control changes that might normally be allowed elsewhere. For example, this can include certain types of cladding, inserting dormer windows and putting up satellite dishes that are visible from the street.
Anyone who wants 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 notice to the local authority. The authority can then consider the contribution the tree makes to the character of the area and if necessary make a Tree Preservation Order to protect it.
Who do I ask about changes?
It is essential to first seek the advice of the Conservation Officer or Development Control Officer at your local authority to get a clearer idea about what it means for you.
Local authorities often prepare Supplementary Planning Documents for their conservation areas to assist residents and developers, so it is worth checking with the Conservation Officer to see if one exists for your conservation area.
