Conservation area appraisal consultations FAQs

Return to the Local Plan Consultations Page.

How can I see if my property is in a Conservation Area or is affected by the proposed revised boundaries? 

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You can view maps of the existing adopted Conservation Boundaries here.

You can also view  Maps of the proposed revised boundaries

When will the Council adopt the revised boundaries for Conservation Areas and the Management Plans? 

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The Council are looking to adopt Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans in phases between February and July 2016.

My property is affected by one of the proposed boundary changes how does it affect a planning application? 

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If planning permission has already been approved this will not affect you. If you have submitted an application that has not yet  been determined the changes to the boundaries recommended in the draft revised Conservation Area Appraisals or policies in the draft Management Plan will be given some limited consideration following the end of any consultation period, but the decision will be based on the current situation. If you submit a planning application after the formal adoption of the revised appraisals or management plans your proposals must be fully compliant with these new documents and any revised boundaries.

How does being in a Conservation Area affect works to trees? 

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Trees with a stem diameter of 75mm or greater, measured at 1.5 metres from soil level, enjoy a measure of protection if they stand in a designated conservation area. The Council requires six weeks written notice of any proposed felling or pruning of such trees, other than the removal of dead wood and the felling of dead and/or dangerous trees, which do not require notification. In the case of the removal of undesirable trees to allow superior trees to flourish, known as ‘selective thinning’, the requirement is relaxed to allow the removal of trees of stem diameter up to 100mm to be removed without giving the Council prior notice.

Should the notified tree work be unacceptable to the Council, the latter will make a Tree Preservation Order during the six week notification period, thus ensuring continuity of protection. Local Authorities cannot insist upon a replacement for a tree lawfully felled within a conservation area, unless the tree is also protected by a Tree Preservation Order.

Why have the Council changed the boundaries in the Conservation Areas? 

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Designation of Conservation Area is made by local planning authorities under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Local planning authorities also have a duty from time to time to review the extent of designation and to designate further areas if appropriate.  Section 71 of the Act imposes a duty on the local planning authority to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas.

What controls apply in a Conservation Area? 

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A number of special controls and requirements apply in conservation areas to protect their character:

  • There is greater control over demolition of buildings and structures than there is outside a conservation area; planning permission may be required to demolish any building and such permission may or may not be granted.
  • New buildings, extensions and alterations must preserve or enhance the appearance of the Conservation Area and greater attention will be given to the use of traditional natural materials.
  • If you want to carry out works to a tree you must notify the council's trees officer at least six weeks before the work is due to take place.
  • Permitted development, including external alterations to houses in conservation areas is more restrictive than outside a conservation area.