Conservation

The statutory definition of a Conservation Area is, "an area of special architectural and historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance". (The Planning Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990).

The Local Planning Authority has a duty to assess those areas which are considered to fall within the above definition and to designate them as Conservation Areas. There are no standard criteria upon which an area is designated. "They may form groups of buildings, open spaces, trees, historic street patterns, village greens or features of historic or archaeological interest. It is the character of areas rather than individual buildings, that Conservation Areas seek to enhance". (Planning Policy Guidance Note 15, Planning and Historic Environment, 1990).

Once a Conservation Area has been designated the Local Planning Authority has a further obligation to ensure that the character of that area is preserved or enhanced. This is achieved through the careful control of development and through the formulation of a scheme for the enhancement of the area. The production of such a scheme is a legal requirement of the Local Authority and has to be made available for public comment.

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