A Guide to Conservation Areas

What is a Conservation Area?

The concept of conserving the character of entire areas was first introduced in the Civic Amenities Act of 1967. The provisions were consolidated into the 1971 Town and Country Planning Act, and subsequently the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Conservation area legislation emphasises the importance of the character of an area as a key consideration when decisions are made in respect of development proposals. A conservation area is defined as:

"an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance"

Although conservation areas usually include a high proportion of listed buildings, their character is also derived from other qualities, such as the relationship between buildings, the spaces which surround them, trees or parkland, an historic street pattern, or features of archaeological interest.

Conservation area designation is the means of recognising the importance of all these factors and ensuring that conservation policy addresses the quality of the built environment in its broadest sense as well as the protection of individual buildings.

The following guidance note provides advice about conservation areas and covers the following aspects:

• What is a conservation area?
• How are conservation areas chosen?
• What are the effects of conservation area designation?
• New development in conservation areas
• Extensions to existing buildings
• The repair of buildings
• Conservation area enhancement

(word format, 126kb)