Conservation Areas - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Conservation Area?
Who designates Conservation Areas?
How are Conservation Areas chosen for Designation?
What does designation mean?
What policies are used to control development?
What does the Council normally do in Conservation Areas?
How do I find out more about a Conservation Area?

What is a Conservation Area?

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

Conservation Area in Wyre Forest range from historic town centres to rural hamlets.

Who designates Conservation Areas?

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.

While the Council is ultimately responsible for deciding whether an area should be given Conservation Area status, the decision is only taken after extensive research and consultation with people living and owning property in the area.

How are Conservation Areas chosen for Designation?

There are no standard criteria upon which an area is designated. The 'special' interest of an area can be derived from groups of buildings, historic street patterns, historic uses, layout, parks, gardens and trees.

'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.

What does designation mean?

In exercising Conservation Area controls, local planning authorities are required to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhaning the character or appearance of the Conservation Area. Therefore within a Conservation Area the Council has extra controls over the following:

Demolition

Conservation Area consent is needed for demolishion of a building, or even parts of it. The application forms and guidance can be found on-line under Planning Application Forms. Generally we view an application from the stand point of trying to retain the building so a strong case needs to be made for its demolition. There are no fees for this application and there is a right of appeal against refusal.

Minor developments

In a Conservation Area, you need planning permission for changes to buildings which would normally be permitted. Changes requiring consent include:

•  cladding a building,
•  inserting dormer windows, 
•  putting up a satellite dish visible from the street.

 View interactive householder guide

Trees

Anyone proposing 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 six weeks notice to the Council. The Council will consider the contribution the tree makes to the character of the conservation area and if necessary it will make a tree preservation order to protect it.

Read more about tree preservation orders.

What policies are used to control development?

What does the Council normally do in Conservation Areas?

• Ensure that new buildings harmonise with their neighbours;

• Prepare development briefs for sites in conservation areas;

• Encourage environmental improvements whenever possible;

• Ensure that traffic control measures harmonise with the character of the area.

• Make grants available for the repair of buildings whenever possible.